1. FC Union Berlin ran out 2-0 winners against FC Ingolstadt who were reduced to nine men in a scrappy second half at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Sebastian Andersson converted from a penalty kick on the stroke of half time, despite the Bavarians giving a strong account of themselves until then.
Referee Robert Kampka earned his crust in Köpenick during a competitive second half between the teams. Almog Cohen was shown a straight red card, while Robin Krauße picked up a second yellow card with 15 minutes left.
Union wrapped up the points through Gogia's finish after Suleiman Abdullahi hit the woodwork.
1. FC Union Berlin: Gikiewicz; Trimmel, Hübner, Friedrich, Lenz; Schmiedebach (Rapp 66), Prömel, Kroos (Zulj 76); Gogia, Mane (Abdullahi 45), Andersson
The 11 players who started last week’s 2-0 win at Holstein Kiel were rewarded with a continued position in the team for the visit of Ingolstadt. Under the guidance of former Union coach Jens Keller, Ingolstadt have improved with a clutch of strong performances in recent games, including last week against 1. FC Köln. The Bavarians saw practically all of the best attacking opportunities in the first 45 minutes. Björn Paulsen blasted a shot over after five minutes, while Rafal Gikiewicz thwarted Thomas Pledl two minutes later and Christopher Lenz cleared a dangerous cross from Paulo Otavio. Andersson will have been frustrated not to net on 34 minutes after heading Felix Kroos’ chip into the ground rather than into the back of the net. Ingolstadt appeared to regain the upper-hand with a chance for Dario Lezcano, who skied an excellent opportunity from inside the area. But Union would end the half on a high after Otavio collided with Felix Kroos inside the box. Andersson stepped up confidently to convert the penalty from 12 yards out.
Carlos Mane was withdrawn at the interval and replaced by Abdullahi, with the Nigerian forward making an immediate impact from the left-hand side. Philipp Tschauner parried an effort from Grischa Prömel wide before the match turned on its head for the Bavarians. Cohen reacted to a collision in the box and received his marching orders, while Gogia was booked in the resulting melee. As the game entered the final quarter of an hour, Kroos was bundled over by Krauße who was sent off for a second bookable offence. Union took full advantage of the numerical superiority and doubled their lead on 79 minutes. Lenz set up Abdullahi with a clever, inside pass and the striker’s shot cannoned against the woodwork. Luckily, Gogia timed his run to perfection and finished off the rebound from a tight angle. Abdullahi raced clear of Paulsen to create a good chance with three minutes to go, but Andersson was narrowly close to finishing off his second of the night.
Fischer said: "I think we can be satisfied with the result. When it comes to the game, Ingolstadt was clearly superior to us in the first half. We didn't get into the game at all, it seemed to me as if my team was anxious, as if the pressure was too great. Then a lucky lead gave us confidence and the second half was more balanced. You have to accept luck, that's also part of football. If you're at the top, you're more likely to be lucky than if you're not at the top. Therefore we can say it's a lucky victory for us."
1. FC Union Berlin's recent round of Friday matches continues away to 1. FC Heidenheim on Friday March 15 at 18:30.
Ingolstadt present next challenge for Union Berlin
Match preview
On Friday March 8, 1. FC Union Berlin return to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei and host FC Ingolstadt in the 2.Bundesliga.
The match sees a first return to Köpenick for former coach Jens Keller, who was in charge for 54 Union games before leaving in December 2017.
Review: Impressive win in Kiel, Ingolstadt fall short at home
1. FC Union Berlin gave a clear statement of intent last Friday, with a dominating 2-0 win over Holstein Kiel. Felix Kroos returned to the side and scored an excellent goal before the interval. Union defended with great concentration and organisation, later wrapping up the points with Sebastian Andersson’s ninth goal of the league season. When asked why the Swede continues to score despite limited opportunities, Fischer answered: “Because he works extremely hard. He always gets into positions where he is dangerous, which has to do with work and conviction. Then the instinct kicks in, a striker has to possess that. But he’s also rewarded as he’s involved in the game.”
Meanwhile, Ingolstadt are three points off safety, but have shown an upturn in performances since Keller’s appointment. Though they turned in more resolute and strong performances, the relegation-threatened team went down 2-1 at home to 1. FC Köln and lost 1-0 at FC St. Pauli. Both of Keller’s wins in charge have come on the road, at Erzgebirge Aue and Greuther Fürth. “Ingolstadt are in a good way and always find solutions. They have individuals who can win games and make the difference. They have a balance between long balls and more considered football. We need to find a good box, put pressure on the ball and be strong in challenges,” added Fischer.
Record: Ingolstadt’s recent record at Union is consistent
The club from Bavaria played two seasons in the Bundesliga between 2015 and 2017 following a five-year stint in the second division. The only encounter since their relegation was a 2-1 defeat for the Köpenick club in December 2017. Union’s last victory over Ingolstadt came in September 2011, a 4-1 triumph with strikes from Christian Stuff, Torsten Mattuschka and a double from Carlos Silvio.
Personnel: Competition for places
Fischer admitted that picking his 18-man squad for matches is just as hard as the starting line-up given the level of competition in the group. There are only two fitness concerns, with Sebastian Polter ruled out still for the near future. Defender Michael Parensen came back this week, but was hit strongly by his illness so will need more time to get up to speed.
Tickets: Ingolstadt return allocation
With the away side unable to fill up the visiting section, the club has decided to make more tickets available for home fans. They can be purchased from the usual outlets, including online. Please note that tickets can no longer be dispatched by post and we would recommend that they are collected before matchday.
