The 1. FC Union Berlin side in Denmark ran out 2-1 winners against FC Copenhagen in the first game of the Baltic Sea Cup.

Union took an early lead through Vesterland’s own goal before Berkan Taz doubled the lead shortly after the hour mark. Copenhagen hit a late consolation but weren’t able to overcome a solid performance from the Köpenick club.

Union: Oppermann; Möller, Maloney, Rankic (Koch 73), Alimler; Opfermann (Cinar 64); Zejnullahu, Dehl (Gencel 64); Werner (Sitz 46), Petermann (Muschkowski 73), Taz

Copenhagen: Monty; Kirkeby (Aarstad 77), Vesterland, Moller (Kirkeby 56), Canto (Hjaelmhof 77); Porsgrunn (Sejr 83); Daghim, Daramy (Andersen 77), Brajanac (Steffensen 56); Samrawi, Korang

Referee: Jakob A. Sundberg

Jannes Werner, who was one of six youth players to make their debut in the recent friendly against Altglienicke, missed on four minutes with a fine header. The Danish giants threatened from set-piece situations but weren’t able to break the deadlock. Instead, an own goal from captain Niklas Vesterlund handed the German side the advantage after 52 minutes. Taz scored on 67 minutes to make it 2-0 with an outstanding piece of individual skill — he beat four players, accelerated into the box and buried from about 12 yards out.

Copenhagen looked to pile the pressure on in the final quarter of an hour, but Union’s defence, which was marshalled by first-team player Lennard Maloney, stood resolute. Ahmed Daghim did manage to pierce through the away side’s defence in stoppage time to shoot into the net from 20 yards out and grab a late consolation for the hosts.

Next fixture: Nordic visits to Köpenick – free admission

Union’s next opponents in the Baltic Sea Cup are Aalborg AK on Tuesday September 18 (12:00) at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Fans can see the match for free. On Wednesday October 3 (12:00), Union will then take on Halmstads BK from Sweden at the Alte Försterei and likewise entrance is free. In November, Union will travel back to Denmark to play Odense.