Organized Union Berlin take down struggling RB Leipzig
Union Berlin took advantage of their chances on goal, defeating a Leipzig side in very poor form to start the season by a score of 2-1.
Surrounded by an electric atmosphere at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei in the rainy capital city, Leipzig were under serious pressure to get three points after drawing their first two Bundesliga contests. Domenico Tedesco’s side were determined in the start and pushed forward to create chances from the off.
Leipzig controlled 77% of possession in the first half, but Union created a huge chance at the other end when Julian Ryerson’s shot was saved off the line in the 15th minute by Mohamed Simakan.
Timo Werner then narrowly missed and hit the post after a perfectly weighted pass from Benjamin Henrichs. Union sat back and were really well-organized in defense, using speedster Sheraldo Becker to break away and start the occasional counter-attack.
One of those dangerous attacks led to American newcomer Jordan Siebatcheu’s goal from a perfect Becker setup. But, Union weren't finished. Against the run of play, Andras Schafer’s tackle allowed Sheraldo Becker to score a goal of his own for a 2-0 lead just before halftime.
Marcel Halstenberg replaced Josko Gvardiol at the half and Leipzig continued to play with purpose going forward. Halstenberg's shot from a David Raum corner nearly went in, but was cleared off the line by Ryerson. Tedesco made several offensive substitutions as the game wore on, but Leipzig still couldn’t find a way into the back of the net.
Union had several chances to add another goal, but Leipzig were the ones to finally convert with Willi Orban's header in the 83rd minute. Amadou Haidara narrowly missed with a long-range strike in the dying minutes, as Union held on during a late Leipzig assault on goal.
Die Eisernen supporters deserve their fair share of praise, as they hardly stopped singing for the entire 90 minutes. Leipzig simply struggled to get through a compact and congested Union defense. Tedesco’s job is now seriously on the line without a win to speak of.
Leipzig sit 11th with just two points through their first three matches. Union are temporarily 2nd in the table with two wins and a draw to start the campaign. The best club in the capital travels to Schalke next weekend, while Leipzig return home to face Wolfsburg on Matchday 4.