Union Berlin record first Bundesliga point in Augsburg

Augsburg 1-1 Union Berlin
Goals: 1-0 Vargas (59'), 1-1 Andersson (80')

Both teams looked focused on defensive stability as they aimed to figure our their opponents and find a way through on goal. After 25 minutes, Augsburg’s Florian Niederlechner - on target in Dortmund on Matchday 1 - looked like he might repeat his trick of opening the scoring after a looping ball found him in the Union Berlin penalty area. However, the angle was too tight and he could only flash his shot across the mouth of goal. That scare seemed to light a fire under the visitors, who immediately threatened twice through quick driving runs from Anthony Ujah and Sheraldo Becker, though neither could really trouble Tomas Koubek. Just before half-time, Augsburg newcomer Tin Jedvaj made himself a hero in the eyes of the home fans when he stopped a blistering goal-bound shot just one meter away from the goalline. The half ended with Union looking dangerous, but they returned to the dressing room still chasing their first Bundesliga goal.

The second half opened at a far more frantic pace. Union were determined to get in behind the Augsburg defence, but Martin Schmidt’s experienced men held fast and crafted chances of their own through clever movement off the ball. Just before the hour-mark, Augsburg’s approach paid dividends. Niederlechner turned creator when he worked hard to keep the ball and escape his marker on the right flank before crossing for Vargas to fire home. Union substitutes Sebastians Polter and Andersson combined to produce a special moment with ten minutes remaining, however. The Union duo found themselves two-on-one in the final third and made the most of their advantage as Polter squared for Andersson to dispatch the promoted club's maiden Bundesliga goal. Union played out the rest of the match with 10 men after Kevin Schlotterbeck saw red for a rash challenge, but they held on to send the travelling fans into ecstasy courtesy of their first ever Bundesliga point.

• By making his debut, Jedvaj became the first Croatian to line up for Augsburg in the Bundesliga.
• Another debutant, Stephan Lichtsteiner, became Augsburg’s oldest ever player at the age of 35 years and six months old.
• Augsburg had more possession (53 per cent), but Union had more chances (13 to 12).
• Union fielded a much-changed XI in comparison to their opening match, with veteran defender Neven Subotic slotting into the centre of defence and Becker, Marcus Ingvartsen and Ujah all making their first Bundesliga starts for the club in a revamped attack.
• Union goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz was the only goalkeeper in Bundesliga 2 last season to register a goal and an assist.
• Polter and Andersson were Union's top goalscorers last season in Bundesliga 2.

Augsburg: Koubek – Lichtsteiner, Jedvaj, Khedira, Max – Gruezo (Oxford 74'), Baier (c) – Hahn, Gregoritsch, Vargas (Richter 66') – Niederlechner (Finnbogason 88')
Unused subs: Luthe, Pedersen, Suchy, Schieber, Jensen, Teigl
Out: Cordova (pelvis), Giefer (shoulder), Götze (hip), Gouweleeuw (groin), Iago (knee)
Coach: Martin Schmidt

Union: Gikiewicz – Trimmel (c), Schlotterbeck, Subotic, Lenz – Prömel, Andrich – Becker (Abdullahi 67'), Ingvartsen (Andersson 71'), Bülter – Ujah (Polter 71')
Unused subs: Nicolas, Friedrich, Mees, Reichel, Kroos, Schmiedebach
Out: Gentner (knock), Hübner (knee)
Coach: Urs Fischer