Union Berlin’s unbeaten run continues despite Claude-Maurice’s screamer

Among Augsburg’s four changes from the heavy defeat in Gladbach, Michael Gregoritsch gets a starting nod for his second WWK Arena debut. Steffen Baumgart has also introduced four new faces compared to the starting XI against Mainz as Jeong Woo-yeong is rewarded for starting the comeback draw with his first goal of the season.

The first two big chances of the game were created by the visitors as Jeong forced Finn Dahmen into a first save shortly after András Schäfer’s free header missed the target. Oliver Burke had an even better chance for Union Berlin before the half-hour mark, but the striker also failed to test the Danish goalkeeper.

That was followed by the interruption of the game as Augsburg fans showed their displeasure with the scheduling by throwing things onto the pitch. This was the first Thursday night Bundesliga fixture since Hertha Berlin’s 3-0 victory over Freiburg in a rescheduled fixture back in 2021. However, there will be one whenever there is Englische Woche (midweek fixtures) from now on per DFL’s negotiation with the current TV rights holders.

Back to the football on the pitch, Augsburg massively improved in the closing stages of the first-half. A couple of minutes after Frederik Rönnow’s first block of the game to deny Keven Schlotterbeck from a set-piece opportunity, Alexis Claude-Maurice put the hosts ahead with one of the best goals of the season.

The Frenchman scored nine goals in his debut Bundesliga campaign, but he was scoreless until the last game of the Hinrunde this time around. However, the long-range strike that found the top corner after brushing the crossbar made the wait worthwhile.

The hosts came very close on a couple of occasions to double their lead around the hour mark. Claude Maurice’s free-kick bounced off the post before Rönnow’s super save from Anton Kade’s effort after a flawless counterattacking move.

As always, the visitors tried to use their set-piece strength to their advantage, but they were not at the standard they set for themselves in what seemed to be a frustrating night for the traveling fans. Former Augsburg midfielder Rani Khedira had one of the rare chances for them before the dramatic finish to the game as Manuel Baum’s side were in full control in the second-half.

First, Derrick Köhn was sent off for a harsh foul on substitute Samuel Essende. Union going down to ten created a lapse in concentration in Augsburg’s defense as three substitutes combined to salvage a point for Baumgart’s team. Marin Ljubicic’s scrappy goal meant all five of Union Berlin’s last goals came from substitutes.

The Croat striker's goal extended Union Berlin's unbeaten run to four games, while it denied a first win in four for Augsburg's interim coach. Augsburg missed a chance to go level on points with Köln and Bremen as they now sit in 15th place with 15 points. Union Berlin ended the first half of the season in ninth place, but they matched Freiburg’s points tally.

Both teams will return to action after three days. Union Berlin face VfB Stuttgart away from home before the opening matchday of Rückrunde ends with another home game for Augsburg against Freiburg.