Union Berlin have never lost a Bundesliga game when leading at half-time and that record continued tonight thanks to a deflected Benedict Hollerbach strike.
Story of the match
Bundesliga football returned to the Alte Forsterei tonight as Union Berlin welcomed newly promoted, St Pauli to Köpenick.
Both sides were looking for their first win of the season after St Pauli lost to Heidenheim on the opening weekend and Union drew with Mainz 05.
However, the hosts’ preparations were disrupted.
Robin Gosens was going, then he was staying, and then, an hour before kick-off, it was confirmed that he was moving immediately to Fiorentina.
At the same time, Union were finalising a deal for Lille forward, Andrej Iliç and retaining Danilho Doekhi for another season.
It was equally frantic in the stands as the Union faithful prepared an extraordinary tiff and pyro display that lit up the Köpenick night sky.
It proved to be the only fireworks for most of the first half as both sides cancelled each other out in midfield.
Benedict Hollerbach and Lucas Tousart did their best to brighten a tense first half but St Pauli goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj was resolute.
Vasilj was eventually beaten in the 34th minute when a Hollerbach shot from the edge of the box was cruelly deflected into the goal.
A minute later, Jordan wasted a one-on-one opportunity as Vasilj did well to stand tall and push the Union striker wider.
Chances were few and far between after that but Union largely dominated possession and territory.
St Pauli were glad to hear the half-time whistle but they had to overcome history in the second half.
Union Berlin have never lost a Bundesliga game when leading at half-time.
The second half started much like the first as smoke from an Union Ultras firework display leaked onto the pitch and briefly suspended play.
After that, Union continued to create the best of the chances but could not find a way to double their lead.
It took until the final 10 minutes for St Pauli to really pressure the Union defence.
Former Bolton and West Ham winger, Afolayan went close with the final kick of the game but Rönnow was barely tested as the visitors registered just two shots on target over the 90 minutes.
In truth, there was more entertainment in the stands than on the pitch but Union won’t care.
They kick-started their Bundesliga campaign with a win and a clean sheet.
For St Pauli, the only way is up.
Moment of the Match
82 minutes had gone and St Pauli were enjoying their first spell of pressure in the final Union third.
Crosses were flying into the box and Union’s defence were chasing shadows.
St Pauli had worked the ball to the left, drawing Union out of position when the visitors quickly switched play.
It seemed that Tom Rothe was overwhelmed at left-back as he juggled two St Pauli attackers on the edge of the box.
Former Bolton winger, Oladapo Afolayan looked to capitalise on the man advantage but the former Kiel defender stayed cool and picked his pocket with a well-timed slide tackle.
Rothe then carried the ball twenty metres and launched a counter-attack to relieve the pressure.
The fans duly gave the new Union signing a standing ovation to show their appreciation.
It was indicative of a disciplined defensive display by Union Berlin as they secured their first win of the season.
St Pauli are still searching for those elusive three points and travel next to Augsburg after the international break.
GGFN | Oscar O’Mara
