Union Berlin - Athletic Club

Athletic lost by 2 goals to 1 against FC Union Berlin at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The home side were playing in front of their home fans before facing their first official match in the German Cup next week. Berenguer’s goal in a great first half was not enough, and although Marcelino’s players had the game under control for three quarters of the game, the German side turned the game around.

After the first few minutes of settling down, Athletic had half a dozen chances to take the lead, but it wasn’t until the 31st minute that Berenguer’s goal went in. The lions carried out a great counter-attack that was finished to perfection by the player from Barañain after Sancet’s pass.

The feeling of dominance fell on Marcelino’s side, but the Germans warned on the counter with quick balls filtered to the Nigerian Awoniyi, which raised the spirits of the German fans. Before the break, Berenguer with a free kick and Sancet with a stinging shot could have added to the score.

After the break, which was surprisingly enlivened in Basque with a classic Betagarri song, Marcelino brought on Lekue, Zarraga, Nico Williams and Raúl García, who took the place of Balenziaga, Vencedor, Morcillo and Sancet. Later on, De Marcos, Serrano and Villalibre, Paredes and Vesga also came on.

Athletic had their best chance of the second half when a corner at the near post was tipped onto the crossbar. Union Berlin were more effective in the second half, and after a rebound from a free-kick, Genki Haraguchi latched onto a good ball that flew past Julen Agirrezabala’s diving Julen Agirrezabala. It was a time when the Germans showed some real grit with their fans, and Timo Baumgartl’s header capped the comeback for the home side.

Before the start of LaLiga, Athletic Club will have their two final tests next weekend in England, on 7 August against Southampton and 8 August against Liverpool.