Polter on fire: Striker continues scoring run in Regensburg
Match report
Union Berlin made it three wins in a row with a 2-0 win at Jahn Regensburg in front of 9,791 at the Continental Arena.
Sebastian Polter continued his wicked vein of scoring form, taking his season tally up to five, while Akaki Gogia secured the points in the second half.
Coach Jens Keller selected the same 4-2-3-1 basic shape as previous games, but Steven Skrzybski was left out for Gogia, who returned to form with a superb performance.
Union were forced to wait before taking control with Regenbsurg looking to stamp their authority on the match immediately. On 21 minutes, creator Marcel Hartel showed his qualities in the final-third, landing an inch-perfect cross into the path of Polter who headed home. Towards the close of the first period, both teams had some chances but all came from long distance.
Achim Beierlorzer’s side started stronger in the second half, but for all their efforts, only managed to hit the side-netting. Union keeper Jakob Busk earned the plaudits of the 1,500 travelling supporters with a string of fine saves to keep the scores blank. Union took full advantage at the other end and on 75 minutes, converted a razor-sharp counterattack: Hartel and Polter threatened and created the chance, but Gogia finished off.
“We are delighted to have won 2-0 today. But we have to thank our goalkeeper today. The penalty save was very important. Our fans stood behind us united, and as one. That was special. Nevertheless, we admitted too much for them. We have to play more precisely up front; we didn’t switch around our shapes too well. But we have to be happy,” said Keller post match.
After two games on the road in the 2.Bundesliga, the Köpenick side returns home next weekend to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Union Berlin will host Greuther Fürth on Saturday October 21 at 13:00 local time. Tickets are still available in both sections of the stadium.
Regensburg host in-form Union after international break
Match preview
It’s been two weeks since Union last encountered opposition in the 2.Bundesliga, but this week Jens Keller’s side head south to the Continental Arena to face Jahn Regensburg.
The international break has presented the Union coach a rare opportunity mid-season to work closely with the players on the training field. “It makes a coach happy when you have so many options,” he said in the pre-match press conference. “But you are also faced with difficult decisions.”
All players involved across the squads returned in good health, while Marc Torrejon has started to intensify his training regime. The Spaniard participated in full training this week for the first time following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Keller has a bunch of options to choose from, particularly in attack with Akaki Gogia, Steven Skrzybski and Marcel Hartel vying for various positions.
Hosts Jahn Regensburg are a “compact” side according to Keller. “They don’t have any single best players, but have risen as a team. I think there were only a few teams to have taken apart Regensburg. The 2-1 win over Eintracht Braunschweig in the eighth week of the season remains the high point for the club’s supporters.
Achim Beierlorzer, former youth coach at RB Leipzig, has brought extra grit and organisation to his team which sits 14th in the 2.Bundesliga. With 22 yellow cards and one red, Regensburg are one of the most frequently punished teams in the division. They are 16th in the Fair Play table, and thrive from set-piece situations. Marvin Knoll has so far managed to net direct from free kicks on two occasions.
Keller’s team will be backed on by more than 1,000 Union supporters in Regensburg. Tickets are still available at the box offices at the Continental Arena. Our Fahrzeghaus will be on location to offer the current range of merchandise.
