Gladbach and Union Berlin endure attritional scoreless stalemate

The first-half at Borussia Park passed by with relatively little points of discussion as neither side gave an inch. While Robin Hack and Tomas Čvančara were lively for the hosts, it was Union Berlin who arguably had the best opportunity of the game before the break. 

Kevin Volland unfurled a venomous strike from distance in the 25th minute. The German's effort arced and dipped onto the crossbar and away to safety as Moritz Nicolas cut a relieved figure. Gladbach almost found the breakthrough goal just before the interval. Hack's delivery from the left wasted by Ko Itakura in an advanced position.

Andras Schäfer's introduction subsequently pushed Brenden Aaronson into Yorbe Vertessen's vacated position and almost reaped instant reward. The American international's strike in the 52nd minute sailed towards to top corner, however Nicolas was on hand to react. Lucas Tousart followed up but fizzed wide from 23 metres in what was a dominant spell for Die Eisern. 

Both sides replenished their attacks with Franck Honorat entering for Die Fohlen, while Hollerbach and Kaufmann joined the Union offence. But with fatigued legs, chances failed to materialise. A final fingertip save from Moritz Nicolas denied the Union Berlin substitutes at one end, while Marvin Freidrich met the gloves of Rønnow at the other as it ended all square.