Union Berlin close gap to Bayern with win over Gladbach
Chasing Champions League football, Union travelled to North Rhine-Westphalia looking to consolidate their place in the Bundesliga top-four. Instead, a shaky half against mid-table Gladbach saw the Berlin-based outfit fail to show the quality that has seen them rise up the table so far this season.
The best - and only major - chance of the half fell to the home side, with Gladbach’s Manu Koné testing Union goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow with a long-range strike.
Union have made a habit of hanging on in matches, before snatching a goal against the run of play, and Fischer’s side stuck to form early in the second half.
Guiding home a stylish side-foot volley from inside the penalty area, Becker continued his strong form this season to fire the visitors into an unlikely lead. The striker’s 18th direct goal contribution of the campaign came after a sustained spell of pressure from the home side, further illustrating Union’s relentless smash-and-grab style of play.
Despite their dominance in possession, a lack of clinical edge in front of goal has plagued Monchengladbach’s season, with Die Fohlen once again failing to convert chances.
Unsurprisingly, Marcus Thuram was at the heart of the hosts’ attacking threat, with the French forward coming close to netting an equaliser midway through the second half. Leaning backwards, the 25-year-old did well to meet a cross inside the penalty area, but was unable to control a looping header from 12 yards out.
Ultimately, much like their performance against Union, it will go down as a season to forget for Monchengladbach. With a number of key first-team players set to depart in the summer, manager Daniel Farke has a big pre-season ahead of him, should he wish to guide the continental regulars back into Europe.
For Union, it’s looking increasingly likely they’ll be competing in Europe for a third consecutive season, with a maiden UEFA Champions League appearance now looking increasingly likely thanks to their first win in three league matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Sheraldo Becker (Union Berlin)