Bundesliga
Union Berlin claimed a pleasing victory over Borussia Dortmund with goals from Kevin Vogt and Yorbe Vertessen enough to see off a fightback from the visitors, with Julian Ryerson netting against his former club.
Union Berlin 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
Goals: 1-0 Vogt 26' (pen.), 1-1 Vertessen 45' (assist: Leite), 2-1 Ryerson (assist: Brandt)
The Stadion An der Alten Försterei was buzzing with anticipation as Union Berlin welcomed Borussia Dortmund for a crucial Bundesliga clash. Union, boasting a perfect home record this season, were eager to maintain their fortress-like status. Dortmund, on the other hand, arrived with a point to prove, having struggled on their travels with just one point from their first two away games. The absence of in-form striker Karim Adeyemi due to injury added an extra layer of challenge for the visitors, while Union's manager Bo Svensson emphasised the need for his team to bring their very best performance to the pitch against a top opponent.
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Union Berlin burst out of the blocks with an intensity that caught Dortmund off guard. The home side's high-pressing game and quick transitions had the visitors on the back foot from the opening whistle. Tom Rothe set the tone early on, rifling a shot just wide of Gregor Kobel's goal in the 8th minute. The pressure continued to mount, with Benedict Hollerbach heading narrowly off target moments later. Union's dominance was rewarded in the 26th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Kevin Vogt stepped up, and with nerves of steel, slotted home to break his incredible 10-year Bundesliga goal drought. The stadium erupted as Vogt celebrated his historic moment, giving Union a well-deserved lead.
As the first half drew to a close, Union Berlin continued to assert their dominance. Their relentless pressure paid off once again in the 45th minute when Yorbe Vertessen produced a moment of magic. The Belgian forward unleashed a powerful drive from the edge of the box that left Kobel with no chance, doubling Union's lead at a crucial juncture. The goal was a testament to Union's superiority, as they outran and outfought their illustrious opponents. Heading into the break with a 2-0 lead, Union had put themselves in a commanding position, leaving Dortmund with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Borussia Dortmund emerged from the tunnel with renewed determination in the second half. The visitors began to assert themselves more in midfield, with Julian Brandt pulling the strings. Their increased possession and attacking intent started to put pressure on Union's resolute defence. In the 55th minute, Maximilian Beier forced a strong save from Frederik Rønnow, signalling Dortmund's growing threat. The breakthrough finally came in the 62nd minute when Julian Ryerson struck against his former club. The Norwegian full-back's well-placed shot from the edge of the area breathed new life into the contest, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Dortmund's goal set up a tense finale, with the visitors pushing hard for an equaliser.
Despite Dortmund's increased pressure in the latter stages of the match, Union Berlin's defence stood tall. The home side's collective effort and tactical discipline were evident as they repelled wave after wave of Dortmund attacks. Union's counter-attacking threat remained potent, with Tim Skarke forcing a save from Kobel in the 73rd minute. As the clock ticked down, Union's players dug deep, showcasing the resilience that has made them such formidable opponents at home. The final whistle blew with Union securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory, much to the delight of their passionate supporters. The result not only maintained Union's perfect home record but also highlighted Dortmund's ongoing struggles away from home this season.
Yorbe Vertessen delivered a standout performance that was instrumental in Union Berlin's victory. The Belgian forward's energy and movement caused constant problems for the Dortmund defence throughout the match. His goal on the stroke of half-time was not only beautifully executed but also came at a crucial moment, doubling Union's lead and dealing a psychological blow to the visitors. Vertessen's work rate off the ball was equally impressive, contributing to Union's high-pressing game that disrupted Dortmund's rhythm. His ability to link play and create chances for his teammates further underlined his importance to the team's attacking strategy.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Union Berlin 1.57 - Borussia Dortmund 0.95
Fastest player: Maximilian Beier (BVB), 34 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by Yorbe Vertessen (Union), 2.79 percent
Most pressed player: Serhou Guirassy (BVB), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Wooyeong Jeong (Union), +4.47
Fantasy Heroes: Tom Rothe (Union Berlin, 238 Points), Diogo Leite (Union Berlin, 229 Points), Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund, 229 Points)