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Union Berlin Lose to Bayern Munich in Bundesliga Return

Union Berlin lost their first game since the return of the Bundesliga – a 2-0 defeat against league leaders Bayern Munich.

The visitors, who lead Borussia Dortmund at the top by four points, took the lead five minutes before the break when Robert Lewandowski netted from the spot before Benjamin Pavard added a second with ten minutes remaining.

Union Berlin Lose to Bayern Munich in Bundesliga Return

First Game Back – First Half

Naturally, as we have seen across the Bundesliga over the course of the weekend, it has taken a bit of time for some players to get back into the rhythm following a two-month suspension as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bayern fielded their strongest possible lineup, while Union rested a couple of key players. That said, it didn’t show in the opening moments.

However, Bayern did find the back of the net after 17 minutes, but after consultation with the Video Assistant Referee, Thomas Müller saw his effort ruled out for offside.

Like the reverse fixture at the Allianz Arena, Die Eisernen were holding their own, but when former Dortmund defender Neven Subotic conceded a penalty five minutes before the break, it allowed the visitors the chance to take the lead. Lewandowski made no mistake from twelve yards, netting his 26th goal of the campaign.

Second Half

After the restart, Union looked to find an immediate way back into the game. Chances were there, but they were struggling to find a way past Manuel Neuer as a result of both poor finishing and easy saves.

With twenty minutes remaining, Sebastian Andersson came on for Union as an attacking threat. But it was the visitors that found that all-important second goal.

Pavard, who was relegated with Stuttgart at the Stadion An der Alter Försterei less than twelve months after winning the World Cup with France, headed home from a corner in front of where the travelling Bayern fans would usually be cheering.

Bayern held on, deserved of the win, but it was another resilient display by Union, who are now twelfth in the league, seven points clear of the drop.

Main Photo

Embed from Getty Images

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