Union Berlin have extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to five points after an impressive display against Borussia Dortmund. A Janik Haberer brace inside the opening 21 minutes, both stemming from individual BVB errors, was enough to secure three points for Die Eisernen, who are deservedly topping the Bundesliga after matchday 10. Union have conceded just 6 goals in 10 league games.
Union Berlin – 2 (Haberer, x2)
Frederik Rønnow, 7 – Made two excellent saves to deny Youssoufa Moukoko in the final 15 minutes. Superb save considering the Dane had little else to do for the other 75 mins.
Timo Baumgartl, 6
Robin Knoche, 6
Diogo Leite, 7
Christopher Trimmel, 6
Rani Khedira, 7
András Schafer, 8 – Worked in tandem alongside his midfield partner Haberer. Played his role in Union’s second goal, pouncing on the loose ball, driving forward and finding Sheraldo Becker. Initiated the press, always looked for the ball and controlled the game. Potentially his best performance in a Union top.
Janik Haberer, 8 – Two goals on the afternoon and one key pass with just 19 touches in 62 minutes. In the right place at the right time for both goals.
Julian Ryerson, 7
Jordan Siebatcheu, 7
Sheraldo Becker, 7 – Ran the channels and always provided Union with an outball – another tireless performance. His understanding alongside Siebatcheu makes Union’s attack one of the most fearsome in the Bundesliga, despite neither scoring today.
Others: Morten Thorsby (6), Kevin Behrens (5), Milos Pantovic (-), Jamie Leweling (-)
Borussia Dortmund – 0
Gregor Kobel, 4 – Returned to the starting XI in midweek following a long layoff with a back injury. Spilled a shot in the opening minutes which surely dented his confidence. Minutes later, slipped when receiving a pass back from Raphael Guerreiro, allowing Janik Haberer to score into an empty net. Never recovered.
Niklas Süle, 5
Mats Hummels, 5
Nico Schlotterbeck, 5
Thomas Meunier, 4 – Doubts over whether Meunier would start with an earlier injury. Substituted at half-time as Edin Terzic switched from a back five to a four.
Emre Can, 5
Salih Özcan, 4
Jude Bellingham, 5
Raphael Guerreiro, 6
Karim Adeyemi, 4 – Lost possession in his own half, allowing Union Berlin to capitalise with Haberer’s second of the afternoon from outside of the area. Started centrally on the day as opposed to his usual starting position on the right flank. It never worked for the German forward. Must improve in the coming weeks.
Youssoufa Moukoko, 6 – The hero against Schalke and Bayern Munich, Moukoko started in place of the injured Anthony Modeste. Like Adeyemi, struggled to impose himself against an impressive Union defence, the best in the Bundesliga. Tested Rønnow late on.
Others: Marco Reus (6), Donyell Malen (5), Julian Brandt (6), Thorgan Hazard (-), Gio Reyna (-)
GGFN
