Union Berlin – Borussia Dortmund: Union’s Fairytale Beginning To Gain Momentum (2-0)

Union Berlin came out on top against an uninspiring Borussia Dortmund side and went four points clear at the top. Edin Terzić’s change in formation did not work and his side faced the wrath of their opponents in the first half, thanks to Janik Haberer’s brace. 
Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan.

Union Berlin are Bundesliga’s latest sensation and a club on the rise. They have been etching their path to the top of German football and have finally done so by building around a unique identity. Union are defying all odds and are currently top of the league with nine matches played. Additionally, the club from Berlin ensured they will compete in European competition after a midweek victory against Malmö in the Europa League.

Urs Fischer’s 3-5-2 formation has been constant since the club arrived in the top flight. Timo Baumgartl, Robin Knoche, and Diogo Leite formed the back three, with Christopher Trimmel and Julian Ryerson starting as the wing-backs. The midfield included Rani Khedira, András Schäfer, and Janik Haberer while the side’s brilliant duo, Jordan Pefok, and Sheraldo Becker, played up front. 

Edin Terzić’s Borussia Dortmund usually play with a back four, but this time he decided to match Union’s formation with Niklas Süle, Mats Hummels, and summer signing Nico Schlotterbeck as center-backs. Thomas Meunier and Raphaël Guerreiro were slotted in the wing-back position. Emre Can and Salih Özcan lined up with Jude Bellingham in midfield while teenager Youssoufa Moukoko started upfront alongside Karim Adeyemi. 

Union Berlin punish Dortmund’s mistakes 
Dortmund’s 3-5-2 initial shape surprised . . .