Werkself succumb to late Union winner in Berlin

Following the successful cup tie against Eintracht Frankfurt, Werkself coach Peter Bosz made three changes to his starting line-up: The two full-back positions were rotated with Aleksandar Dragovic and Daley Sinkgraven replacing Lars Bender and Wendell, and Patrik Schick started up front in place of Lucas Alario. Florian Wirtz continues to be sidelined and new signing Timothy Fosu-Mensah is not yet available due to quarantine regulations.

Werkself have more possession - Union the best chance

Bayer 04 were very lively from the start and mounted some promising attacks in the opening moments of the game. Nadiem Amiri fired the first warning shot (2’), and a cross from the right by Moussa Diaby saw Marvin Friedrich intervene to deny Schick (4'), Kerem Demirbay hit a shot just to the right of the target after an impressive move (14'). However, it was the hosts who had the first really good chance of the game – of course, from one of their set pieces: A flying header from Friedrich flew just wide of the Werkself goal (15').

The Werkself recovered and immediately regained control of the game with Schick having a chance with a header (17'). Union, with Teuchert replacing the injured Sheraldo Becker (24'), demonstrated why the team are rightly in the top five of the Bundesliga and they competed with great physical presence and clever use of space. That made it difficult for Bayer 04 to find their tempo – although the agile Diaby managed it on the half-hour mark. His shot at the end of a dynamic run was blocked (32'). 

Werkself pressure grows – two big chances in a minute

The Werkself then had two excellent goalscoring opportunities within a minute: Leon Bailey nutmegged Christopher Lenz by the corner flag and brilliantly set up Amiri but his shot deflected off Schick. Keeper Andreas Luthe blocked the ball with his leg to prevent the Werkself taking the lead. Seconds later, a low drive from Demirbay went just wide of the far post (38'). Bayer 04 mounted the final attack in the first half with Julian Baumgartlinger testing Luthe from a pass by Schick (41’). The two sides went into half-time level with the score at 0-0.

Union hit woodwork – chances for both sides

There was a heart-stopping moment for the Werkself at the start of the second half. Union mounted a lightning counter-attack and Teuchert found himself unmarked in front of Hradecky but his shot hit the inside of the post and went out for a goal kick off the other post (50'). That early clear-cut chance gave the hosts a boost and the team from the capital now appeared to be on equal terms. Teuchert had another chance from a counter-attack and a promising shot from Bailey was blocked at the other end (61'). The game was now open and entertaining with chances for both sides. A great pass from Daley Sinkgraven found Schick but he was denied by Luthe (63') and then Christopher Trimmel had a chance for Union with a low shot (64').

Peter Bosz made a double substitution looking to get the Black and Reds on top, bringing on Charles Aránguiz and Alario for Baumgartlinger and Schick (69’). As the Werkself again and again managed to neutralise Union's target man Taiwo Awoniyi and quickly win possession, the action during this phase was more in the direction of the Berlin goal. In the closing stages, Union had all eleven players in around their own box with the packed defence constantly intervening to deny the Werkself the chance to score.

teuchert lands late blow

And it was the visitors who finally made the breakthrough. After a foul on Bailey, play continued as Bayer 04 had the advantage but Union won the ball and mounted a lightning counter-attack. Teuchert outran his marker from a diagonal pass and broke into the penalty area. Hradecky managed to get his arm to the ball but was unable to prevent the late winner for Union Berlin (88').

Bayer 04 have another Bundesliga fixture in the week. The last matchday of the first half of the season brings a high quality encounter: Borussia Dortmund visit the BayArena on Tuesday 19 January (20.30 CET).

Match stats:

Union Berlin: Luthe - Friedrich, Knoche, Hübner - Trimmel, Prömel, Lenz - Andrich, Ingvartsen - Awoniyi (Bülter 76'), Becker (Teuchert 24'; Ryerson 90')

Bayer 04: Hradecky – Dragovic, Tah, Tapsoba, Sinkgraven – Amiri, Baumgartlinger (Aránguiz 69'), Demirbay – Diaby, Schick (Alario 69'), Bailey

Goals: 1-0 Teuchert (88’)

Booked: Friedrich - Tah, Amiri

Referee: Florian Badstübner (Windsbach)