1. FC Union Berlin and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have expanded their series, but a clean sheet at the Alte Försterei only helps both of them to a limited extent on their way to the international leagues.
In an intense game on Saturday, the Irons did not get more than 0-0 in the Bundesliga, despite good chances in the 21st unbeaten home game in a row in the Bundesliga. The guests from Leverkusen, on the other hand, were unable to turn their game shares into scoring chances in their 14th competitive game in a row without defeat. Union remains third and Leverkusen sixth in the table. The competition for the champions and the Europa League is getting closer.
Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso had not praised his opponent for nothing and talked about the Union’s well-deserved place in the table. After less than eight minutes in the Köpenick temple of atmosphere, the Spanish ex-professional took off his short coat – time for hard work for himself and his team in front of 22,012 spectators in the Alte Försterei. Alonso gestured on the sidelines, his players were somehow trying to cope with the iron’s power football on the lawn.
Union dominates, but does not meet
Union dominated first. 20 home games without defeat and the prospect of the European champions class have only boosted the self-confidence of Urs Fischer’s team. What was missing was a goal. Sheraldo Becker twice (5th, 8th), then Jordan Siebatcheu twice (9th, 11th), who replaced the suspended Kevin Behrens – there were chances for an early lead.
In contrast to the Leverkuseners. The return of national player and super talent Florian Wirtz was not able to change that, the 19-year-old has overcome his gastrointestinal problems. However, he initially found it difficult to counter the robust and physical Union defense.
Remarkably, Bayer’s most dangerous scene was initiated by former Unioner Robert Andrich by winning the ball in the Berlin half, but Moussa Diaby’s shot went over it. Two-thirds of possession didn’t help the Leverkusen team in the first half either, they remained too harmless.
With a little delay, the hosts, who had already played 0-0 against FC Schalke 04 and 1. FC Köln and 1-1 at home against VfL Bochum this year, initiated at least a brief, similar urge after the break as at the start of the game. Aissa Laidouni (48th) and Becker (59th) failed to score again. In between, Frederik Rönnow had to save from Diaby (52nd) in the Union goal, but the Bayer team got through against the tight defense of the Berliners and, despite a pass rate of 90 percent at times, just barely got through.
Alonso reacted and brought in the two fresh strikers Amine Adli and Sardar Azmoun. Fischer also reacted, replacing midfielder Laidouni and helping Andras Schäfer to come back after a three-month break due to a foot injury. Should a late goal make for a winner after all? Fischer also sent more new forces onto the field in midfield and attacking. In vain, it remained a goalless meeting.
