Rudderless Borussia Dortmund beaten by incisive Union Berlin
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund’s underwhelming start to the season continued on Sunday as they suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Union Berlin.
Union Berlin handed Borussia Dortmund another big blow, as a first half brace from Janik Haberer helped them cruise to a comfortable 2-0 win. It was another abject performance from the Black and Yellows, who were outplayed and outrun over the course of the 90 minutes.
Edin Terzic sprung a number of big surprises with his starting XI, as he decided to go with a back three system to counter Union Berlin’s attacking threat. Youssoufa Moukoko and Karim Adeyemi started up front, as Marco Reus made his return to the squad after recovering from his ankle injury.
However, the change in system didn’t really work for Borussia Dortmund as they endured a disastrous first half against a rampant Union Berlin side. Buoyed by the rapturous home crowd, the league leaders took the lead through Janik Haberer who tapped the ball into the net after pouncing on a horrendous slip from Gregor Kobel.
Haberer then added to Dortmund’s woes in the 21st minute by making it 2-0 with a precise finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. The stunned Black and Yellows had no response to Union Berlin’s resolute first half performance. And they went into the break facing a two goal deficit.
Terzic decided to bring on Marco Reus, Julian Brandt and Donyell Malen at half-time. But their introductions did little to change the course of the game. Despite dominating possession, BVB weren’t able to take control of the game at any point.
Reus and Moukoko did test Union Berlin goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow. But Borussia Dortmund looked rather toothless and lethargic in front of goal for the majority of the 90 minutes.
Next. Borussia Dortmund player ratings from Union Berlin defeat. dark
There weren’t any goals in the second half, as Union Berlin claimed another famous win to cement their lead at the top of the Bundesliga standings. Borussia Dortmund are all the way down in eighth place, and the worries are starting to grow for Edin Terzic and co.