Union Berlin come from behind to return to the top of the Bundesliga
Union Berlin come from 1-0 down to gain all three points to leapfrog Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga. Borussia Mönchengladbach, now find themselves without a win in their last 4 matches.
The Stadion An der Alten Försterei was the setting for the beginning of a triple header in the Bundesliga this Sunday. Union had bounced back after their surprise defeat to Bochum in their last league outing by boosting their hopes of progressing in the Europa League after beating Braga in midweek. They knew they would have to gain all three points once again to reclaim the top spot in the Bundesliga after Bayern’s win against Mainz. As for Borussia Mönchengladbach, a mixed start to the season had seen them arrive into this clash mid-table, but still in the hunt for Europe.
It would be just after 20 minutes when the first major chance came, and it would fall for the visitors. A free kick from Alassane Pléa that was exquisitely caressed over the Berlin wall looked destined for the top corner. Although, it would be the inform Frederik Rønnow to deny him. Getting a strong hand to the ball to deny the Mönchengladbach striker.
However, soon after, confusion ensued. As Rani Khedira controlled the ball and struck a half-volley toward the goal. Sheraldo Becker would find himself in the line of the shot. He swivelled to avoid the strike which bounced off his arm and deceived Yann Sommer to find the back of the net. Although It would be a lengthy VAR debate about the contact point of the arm it hit Becker. The verdict; no goal.
This would prove costly for Union, as no more than 5 minutes later the visitors found themselves in front. A Corner perfectly placed into the middle of the Union box by Lars Stindl found Nico Elvedi all alone. His header nestled into the top corner to stun the home crowd.
As the first half came to a close the hosts found themselves frustrated. Their lethal front line of Sherlado Becker and Jordan Pefok wondering where their service would come from. On the other hand, the visitors looked more than comfortable against a side ready to bounce back to the top of the league.
Despite this Borussia Mönchengladbach never looked like folding. As the second half went on the frustration kept building and building for the hosts. Cheap fouls were being given away, with very little promise in attack.
This was until the 79th minute when a deep cross from Diogo Leite was planted onto the head of Kevin Behrens. He put everything on the line to reach the ball with the onrushing Yann Sommer ready to punch clear. Instead, the punch was placed into Behrens's face, as the Union striker reached the ball first to get his first goal of the season.
Then with just 5 minutes left on the clock, Christopher Trimmel thought he was captain fantastic. Another deep cross found the Union captain at the back post. His header snuck under Yann Sommer, but to the agony of Union, VAR ruled him to be narrowly offside to crush the hosts.
Or would it crush them? As in the 97th minute a huge goal in the race for the Bundesliga title. Jamie Lewelling received the ball from a short corner and crossed the ball into the box. It would be Danilho Doekhi to head home for his first-ever Bundesliga goal. Cue bedlam in the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
The full-time whistle came after with the goal being the last touch of the ball. Union rise back to the top of the Bundesliga and their dream run to their first-ever potential Meisterschale continues. As for Borussia Mönchengladbach, their hopes for European football take another setback as they remain in 10th place.