Union Berlin secured a vital 2:1 victory against Mainz 05, ending a seven-match losing streak. Benedict Hollerbach scored early, followed by Robert Skov converting a penalty. Nadiem Amiri had briefly equalized for Mainz with another penalty. This win marks the first under new head coach Steffen Baumgart, bringing Union Berlin’s points total to 20 in the Bundesliga. The match showcased intense play and several close chances, with Berlin managing to maintain their slender lead until the final whistle.
Union Berlin Triumphs Over Mainz 05 in Crucial Match
After enduring a tough stretch of seven consecutive losses, Union Berlin has finally found relief in their relegation fight with a hard-fought victory against Mainz 05. The match, held in front of 21,646 passionate fans, ended with a score of 2:1, showcasing a bold performance from the ‘Iron Ones’.
Goals from Benedict Hollerbach in the first minute and Robert Skov from the penalty spot in the 24th minute secured the win, while Nadiem Amiri temporarily equalized for Mainz with a penalty in the 5th minute. This victory marks a significant milestone for Berlin, as it is their first win under new head coach Steffen Baumgart, and they now sit on 20 points in the Bundesliga.
A Fast-Paced Encounter with Dramatic Moments
The match kicked off at a thrilling pace, with Hollerbach immediately pressuring Mainz’s Danny da Costa. He seized the opportunity, stealing the ball and deftly curling it into the net from approximately 13 meters, putting Berlin ahead right from the start. Mainz quickly responded, earning a penalty after Jae-sung Lee was brought down by Aljoscha Kemlein. Amiri converted the penalty, leveling the score just five minutes into the game.
The intensity continued, with Mainz’s goalkeeper Robin Zentner making crucial saves against Diogo Leite and Jordan Siebatcheu following a free-kick from Skov. Mainz nearly took the lead when Armindo Sieb found himself in a promising position but squandered the chance by shooting wide.
Union Berlin was awarded a penalty when Dominik Kohr fouled Hollerbach, and Skov stepped up confidently to convert it, much to Hollerbach’s disappointment as he wished to take the penalty himself. Coach Baumgart asserted his authority, stating, “I have the say. I decided that,” emphasizing his role in the team’s tactical decisions.
The match continued with high energy as both teams battled fiercely for possession. Although Union Berlin initially retreated into a defensive posture in the second half, they effectively stifled Mainz’s attempts to capitalize on their ball possession while looking for opportunities to counterattack.
In a notable moment, Hollerbach found himself one-on-one with Zentner but was thwarted by Kohr, who saved the ball just before it crossed the line. Although the linesman indicated offside, it appeared that VAR might have overturned the call, as Hollerbach had advanced from his own half.
As the match progressed, Mainz struggled to create effective offensive plays, while Berlin was unable to capitalize on their counterattacks. Despite numerous substitutions that disrupted the rhythm of play, the tension remained high with a narrow lead for Berlin.
Ultimately, Union Berlin held on to their advantage, even as Amiri missed a late opportunity to equalize in stoppage time. Looking ahead, Union Berlin will face FC St. Pauli next Sunday, while Mainz will host Stuttgart on Saturday.