Union Berlin disappoint across the board in Augsburg. The cardinal problem remains the harmless offense
Once again, the Eisern disappointed with a lack of imagination and inaccuracy in the front zone, the so-called zone three, in the 2-0 defeat in Augsburg. Andras Schäfer had the first real chance to score with a long-range shot in the second half. With the courage of desperation at 0:2, the Iron then created two more chances shortly before the end.
Overall, however, it was far too little to take anything away from Augsburg. “We struggle when we have the ball,” said captain Christopher Trimmel on DAZN. According to the 37-year-old, it often comes down to the final pass.
This is the 16th time the Köpenickers have failed to score. No other team in the Bundesliga “surpasses” that. Following the departure of Kevin Behrens to VfL Wolfsburg, last year’s fourth-placed team lacks a central striker in the middle of the pitch who is able to latch on to balls and pass them on, as well as utilize the many crosses he receives with his leaping ability and heading power.
Much of the play was based on chance
In Augsburg, Berlin tried countless crosses from half-field because they couldn’t get through to the baseline. But the Fuggerstädter kept the upper hand in almost all aerial duels.
Much of Union’s play was based on chance – as has so often been the case this season. There is currently no clear plan as to how coach Nenad Bjelica’s team should operate when in possession in the opponent’s half. And so it is hardly surprising that the trend is pointing downwards
Lead over the relegation places could shrink to three points
Which was not only due to the offensive revelation, but also to the fact that the capital team made too many mistakes in Augsburg and therefore had too many lapses in concentration. Diogo Leite slipped up at 0:1 and Alex Kral was off the mark at 0:2. “We gave FC Augsburg a lot,” criticized Bjelica.
The gifts from Berlin meant that Union failed to record a win for the third time in a row and their once comfortable nine-point lead over the relegation places could shrink to three points at the weekend. This scenario is possible if Mainz win their home game against Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Bjelica, who still has a lot of work to do, said that “we have to get it into our heads that we are in a relegation battle”. Especially when it comes to finding solutions in the final third.
