Bundesliga Player Ratings | Bayern Munich stifled by Union Berlin in 1-1 Draw | OneFootball

A Benedict Hollerbach equaliser five minutes from time capped a fine defensive display as Union Berlin held Bundesliga leaders, Bayern Munich 1-1 in Köpenick. Union Captain, Christopher Trimmel put in a particularly outstanding performance.

Story of the match

The first half was dominated by the Bundesliga leaders.

Camped in their box for most of the half, Union’s only respite came in the 12th minute,

Josip Juranovic was found beyond the Bayern defence from a cleared corner and through on goal. But a poor first touch let the visitor’s defence to intercept and close the door.

In the opening 45 minutes, Bayern enjoyed 85% of possession but failed to register a shot on goal.

There were wild efforts from Alphonso Davies, Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise but no efforts tested Frederik Rönnow.

The Union goalkeeper largely had captain, Christopher Trimmel to thank, as the veteran was a thorn in Bayern’s attack with interceptions, clearance headers and sliding tackles.

In fascinating battles with Jamal Musiala and then Gnabry, Trimmel was exceptional at right-back.

It took until first half added time for Bayern to register their first shot on target as Gnabry sprung the offside trap, but Rönnow was out quickly to smother the chance.

The second half started much like the first.

Bayern’s second shot on target came from a tame Harry Kane free-kick but Union were growing in confidence on the pitch and in the stands.

In the 52nd minute, Andrej Ilic nearly capitalised on confusion in the Bayern defence but Jonas Urbig managed to scramble the ball to safety.

In the 59th minute, Union had their first effort on goal as Juranovic forced a low save from Urbig from 18 yards.

Juranovic had another chance from the resulting corner but snatched his effort wide from the edge of the box.

With Union pushing forward, the game opened up.

In the 63rd minute, Rönnow saved well from a first-time Harry Kane strike 12 yards out.

In the 75th, Bayern finally broke Union’s resistance.

Josip Stanisic cut the ball back into the box from the right byline and substitute, Leroy Sané was on hand to cooly slide the ball into the net from 10 yards.

It seemed that Bayern would go on to extend their lead but against the run of play, Union found an extraordinary equaliser.

With five minutes to go, Bayern failed to clear a cross and substitute, Hollerbach fired the loose ball into the empty net from six yards.

The stadium erupted and Union fans were nearly delirious as Tom Rothe fired wide from close range a few minutes later.

Bayern tried desperately to regain their advantage but Union held on for a miraculous draw.

Union Berlin Ratings

Union Berlin lineup (3-5-2): Frederik Roennow (GK) (8), Danilho Doekhi (8), Leopold Querfeld (8), Diogo Leite (8), Christopher Trimmel (9), Andras Schafer (8), Rani Khedira (8), Janik Haberer (8), Josip Juranovic (8), Woo-Yeong Jeong (8), Andrej Ilic (8)

Substitutions: Benedict Hollerbach (6), Marin Ljubičić (6), Tom Rothe (6), Laslo Benes (6), Tim Skarke (6)

Bayern Munich Ratings

Bayern Munich lineup (4-2-3-1): Jonas Urbig (GK) (6), Josip Stanisic (8), Dayot Upamecano (6), Eric Dier (6), Alphonso Davies (7), Joshua Kimmich (6), Leon Goretzka (6), Michael Olise (6), Jamal Musiala (6), Serge Gnabry (6), Harry Kane (5)

Substitutions: Leroy Sané (8), Hiroki Ito (6)

Player of the Match: Christopher Trimmel

Not many players can force Musiala to switch sides and then force Gnabry to be substituted. For 73 minutes, Trimmel was formidable.

The Union captain played with all his 38 years of experience this afternoon as his positioning trumped the pace and flair of his younger opposition.

A right-back can be an under-appreciated role in modern football, but Trimmel made it look stylish, if not, at times, laborious.

He was bombarded with aerial balls and through-balls.

Knowing that he couldn’t compete for speed or footwork, Trimmel

Trimmel was up to every challenge and duly received a standing ovation from all four corners as he was substituted mid-way through the second half.

His performance was not enough for Union to win but Trimmel and Union Berlin should be proud of their defensive display.

GGFN | Oscar O’Mara