A Proper Gut Punch: 0–1 in Berlin and Suddenly the Unbeaten Run Tastes Bitter

There are away games where you know after two minutes: tonight the ball is going to behave like it’s on strike. The Alte Försterei, Union, plenty of muscle, zero rhythm, even less flow — and there we are, rolling in with our “actually we’re in pretty good form” streak. Seven unbeaten, chest out… but not too far, or the next long ball comes flying straight at you.

What annoys me most about this 0–1: it fits Union’s script perfectly. A few stoppages, a few second balls, then one moment — bang. Long pass, duel, little chip, good night. And yes, Robert Andrich puts it on himself. That’s brutal, but at least it’s honest. A captain owning it like that is worth more than any “keep going!” poster from the cliché museum. Still: the fact a match at this level can swing so hard on one scene is exactly what we have to cut out — especially if we don’t want to keep watching the same thriller every time the schedule gets serious.

Because the real point isn’t “Union were annoying” — we know that. The real point is: why do we look so short on ideas until the clock starts yelling at us? 65% possession, 16–8 shots — sounds like control, feels like cotton wool. Lots of circulation, not enough incision, and when it finally gets dangerous, the last bit of quality is missing: one touch too many, the cross a fraction too high, Schick’s stoppage-time header not hitting the net. Union drop deep, sure — but we need answers before the opponent starts pouring concrete.

Positive: Hjulmand’s triple change finally brought pace and punch. Negative: that it only “clicked” that late. And now the fun part: no time to sulk, because Olympiakos are coming to the BayArena next. Here’s my take: this match was a warning sign. If we take it seriously, it might even be useful. If we don’t, it’s going to get expensive.