Hattrick hero Behrens heads Union past Mainz
ter the highs of last season, Union Berlin opened this year’s Bundesliga campaign with the visit of Mainz. A sun-soaked Alte Forsterei and its energetic crowd witnessed ‘Die Eisernen’ cruise towards a 4-1 win. Kevin Behrens was the hero, heading three of Union's four goals to secure all three points.
It took Union Berlin less than 60 seconds to lay the foundations for victory over Mainz. Aaronson and Roussillon combined excellently on the left flank. The latter of the two crossed for Behrens who climbed above Fernandes to nod home. As if lightning struck twice, Union went 2-0 to the good just before the 10th minute. On this occasion, Laidouni whipped a ball in from the right and Behrens’ head punished Mainz for a second time.
Mainz made a little resurgence as the half hour approached. Barriero came within inches of scoring as the ball fell to him in the box. The sprightly midfielder would be denied by the boot of Eisern skipper Trimmel. If not for the fingertips of Zentner, Mainz could’ve found themselves three goals in arrears. A fantastic save just before the interval would deny Diogo Leite.
Although the Kopenick club were still in the driving seat, Leite would cough up a cheap penalty just after the hour mark. Ajorque stepped up but was to be denied by Ronnow who smothered the tame effort. No sooner was the penalty kept out; Mainz reduced the arrears at 2-1. A looping clearance from Trimmel was met by Caci, who drove the sweetest of volleys into the net.
As if by fate, Behrens would make it a hattrick of headers with 20 minutes to play. Sheraldo Becker retained possession, worked a space to cross and his strike partner did the rest. Mainz’s look at the other end appeared to be out when Ajorque hit the crossbar. The Frenchmen’s afternoon went from bad to worse when he missed a second penalty. Ronnow guessed correctly and Union saw out their first win of the season. An ideal outing which saw debuts for new marquee signings Robin Gosens and Kevin Volland. The latter assisted Pantovic who made it 4-1.