1. FC Union Berlin fight back to draw 2-2 in Hamburg
Match report
1. FC Union Berlin snatched a 2-2 draw at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg after Suleiman Abdullahi's 90th-minute equaliser.
Urs Fischer's team led at the break through Joshua Mees' third goal in two games, but Hamburg hit back in the second half to turn around the score through Aaron Hunt and Lewis Holtby.
But Union's never-say-die attitude pulled the side through in northern Germany, with Abdullahi popping up to score his first goal for the club since joining in the summer.
Union Berlin: Gikiewicz; Trimmel, Friedrich, Hübner, Reichel; Schmiedebach, Prömel; Abdullahi, Mees (Hedlund 45), Hartel (Gogia 75); Polter (Andersson 63)
Attendance: 45,584
As early as the first minute, Union Berlin asserted pressure on the Hamburg defence. Grischa Prömel, who returned from suspension, won the second ball in midfield, finding Sebastian Polter but the Union striker could not get control of the ball on a slippy surface. Hannes Wolf’s men looked intent on taking the lead in front of their home supporters and enjoyed their best period of the half. A shot from Lewis Holtby, gathered comfortably by Rafal Gikiewicz, was the closest the northern Germans came to finding the net. Instead, the visitors from Köpenick struck first on the counter-attack — Mees working industriously to put Leo Lacroix under pressure, steal the ball and ruthlessly fire past Julian Pollersbeck. Two chances fell to Hartel at the midway point of the first 45 minutes, but the Union number 7 was unfortunate on both occasions. Up until stoppage time, Hamburg rarely carved open the Union defence, the Berliners inspired by outstanding performances across the backline. Aaron Hunt could have levelled on the whistle, but he struck wide of the target.
Fischer made one change at the break with Simon Hedlund replacing Mees who had taken a knock in the first half. Though the Berliners held out for the first 10 minutes, Hamburg were on top. Wolf’s side came out of the traps strongly and took more risks to find the equaliser. Eventually, Union succumbed to the pressure and Hunt sweeped home from close range after the away side failed to clear. Holtby added a second on 65 minutes, finishing the rebound after Gikiewicz saved an initial effort from Bakary Jatta. While Union had to withstand further pressure from the home side, Fischer’s side became stronger in the final 10 minutes and put Hamburg on the back foot. As the game reached its climax, Florian Hübner’s header sent Abdullahi in on goal and the Nigerian striker held his nerve to drill the ball past Pollersbeck.
Union's eighth away game without defeat — and 16 in total in the 2.Bundesliga — keeps Fischer's side in third place ahead of Saturday's visit of Darmstadt at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Unbeaten Union Berlin face stern Hamburg test
Match preview
After a two-week international break, 1. FC Union Berlin return to 2.Bundesliga action on Monday evening (20:30) and will take on Hamburg at the Volksparkstadion.
Review: Union score four, Hamburg continue on right path
Before the UEFA Nations League put a stop to club football, Union Berlin racked up their highest league win of the season – a 4-0 demolition at home to SpVgg Greuther Fürth. A brace for Joshua Mees and Sebastian Polter at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei helped the Köpenick club consolidate a spot in the top three behind Hamburg, pre-matchday league leaders, and 1. FC Köln. But despite the four goals, coach Urs Fischer was still frustrated at his side's lack of dominance. "In the first half we didn't have as many chances as we imagined. Greuther Fürth were the better team," he said. Ending a run of four consecutive draws, the three points also protected Union's unbeaten run – a record which has now extended to 15 games.
Meanwhile, the northern Germans, relegated from the Bundesliga last season for the first time in their history, have found some momentum. Hannes Wolf has taken the reigns and helped HSV to a 3-1 win at FC Erzgebirge Aue before the shutdown. Under Wolf's management, Hamburg have won all of their four games in charge – three in the league and the German Cup triumph over Wehen Wiesbaden.
Record: No competitive fixtures since 1966
In the 52 years since the foundation of 1. FC Union Berlin, the Köpenick club have never faced Hamburg in competitive action. A friendly between the two teams in 1996 ended goalless, whilst Union have met Hamburg's "Amateure" side six times in the Regionalliga Nord. Nevertheless, Hamburg still have a role to play in shaping the history of Union Berlin, taking on two of our founding clubs in 1923 and 1950. Hamburg beat SC Union in the German Championship final of 1923 and won again in Kiel, 27 years later.
Personnel: Almost a full squad for Fischer
Union Berlin travel to Hamburg strengthened by the return of Grischa Prömel who was suspended against Greüther Fürth following his dismissal in Regensburg. Marc Torrejon is still making strides towards a first-team return, while Fabian Schönheim picked up a slight knock in training this week.
Service: Over 6,000 in Hamburg, no tickets available
There will be no tickets available at the stadium. More than 6,000 are expected at the Volksparkstadion
Away supporters are requested to observe the following information:
Stadium opens at 18:30
Parking area opens at 16:00
Bus shuttle for away fans from 18:30 at Othmarschen S-Bahn station
Please do not park on the parking lot "Rot" if possible
Bags up to size DIN-A4 and bum bags allowed
Larger bags and backpacks should be left in the car/coach or deposited at drop-off points near the away area (limited capacity)
