Union Berlin beats Augsburg in the Bundesliga in the last match of the season
Union Berlin snatched a somewhat flattering three points from Augsburg at the end of the season. The Irons turned the game around after falling behind. At the same time, Germany’s record referee, Dr. Felix Brych, retired.
Augsburg coach Jess Thorup made two changes compared to the 4-0 defeat at VfB Stuttgart . Wolf started on the right wing in place of Gumny, and Tietz replaced the suspended Essende in attack.
Union Berlin coach Steffen Baumgart made five changes after the 3-0 defeat to 1. FC Heidenheim . Schwolow started in goal for the injured Rönnow. Juranovic, Preu (starting debut), Schäfer, and Skarke were also preferred over Trimmel, Benes, Ilic (each on the bench), and Vogt (not in the squad).
Augsburg shifts up a gear – and rewards itself
In Germany’s record-breaking referee, Dr. Felix Brych’s last appearance, it was clear for long stretches that neither team had anything to play for. Augsburg did have three decent shots on goal early on, courtesy of Tietz (1st, 6th) and Jakic (7th), but the game then petered out for much of the match. Union retreated, and the dominant FCA lacked the spark of inspiration to create a dangerous run into the opposing third.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, Tietz (32nd) and Gouweleeuw (34th) both had chances following two free kicks, but the Fuggerstadt team picked up the pace again. Their efforts were immediately rewarded: After a great vertical ball from Matsima, Tietz remained ice-cold in front of Schwolow (41st). Claude-Maurice even had two chances to double the lead (42nd, 43rd).
Union turns the sluice thanks to Ilic’s brace
The game remained unchanged after the break. If any team was on the offensive, it was the home side – through Zesiger (52′) and Claude-Maurice (57′). Around ten minutes later, Union equalized out of nowhere. After a counterattack, Hollerbach was initially denied by Dahmen, before Ilic, who had just been brought on, slotted home into the empty net (69′).
Gouweleeuw, who was given several opportunities to try and score after receiving crosses, missed a quick reply, first with an overhead kick (72′) and then shortly afterwards from close range (78′). The game ultimately petered out, with neither side gaining any momentum until the final second. Union then ventured another foray down the left, which Ilic finished with a powerful shot in the middle (90’+4′). A somewhat flattering victory in the end. Shortly afterward, referee Dr. Felix Brych blew his final whistle before being given a fitting send-off. Augsburg finished the season in 12th place, while Union finished one place lower in 13th.
