Siebatcheu, Becker fire Union top of Bundesliga

Fischer’s men extend their unbeaten run this season to seven games after 2-0 win over Wolfsburg

BERLIN:

Second-half goals from Jordan Siebatcheu and Sheraldo Becker propelled Union Berlin back to the top of the Bundesliga with a 2-0 home win over Wolfsburg on Sunday.

Union, in only their fourth year in the top division, are the Bundesliga's only unbeaten team after seven matches and will finish top for the second week in a row.

Union manager Urs Fischer suggested things were running so well with his table-topping team, that he could take a back seat.

"I thought it was very impressive how the side delivered - it was a very mature performance in my eyes," Fischer told German news agency SID.

"In the second half we were very dominant. I didn't feel the need to exert any influence from outside."

Before the match, the biggest cheer from the Alte Foersterei crowd was reserved for returning defender Timo Baumgartl, who made his first appearance in the starting XI since overcoming testicular cancer.

Speaking after the victory, Baumgartl told broadcaster DAZN "that's exactly what I was dreaming of after chemotherapy".

"These are emotional moments for me."

Just as they did last matchday against Cologne, Union opened in furious fashion, almost taking the lead after just 45 seconds when Janik Haberer forced a block from Wolfsburg 'keeper Koen Casteels.

Union had another chance through Becker just two minutes later, but the Bundesliga's leading goalscorer blazed over.

As the half wore on, Nico Kovac's Wolfsburg took the sting out of the game and produced the chance of the first half, with Josip Brekalo's shot, set up by a backheel from Bartol Franjic, skimming just wide.

Siebatcheu was inches wide from breaking the deadlock in the 46th minute, but the American did not wait long to give the home side the lead, heading in a perfect Becker cross from close range in the 54th minute.

Provider turned scorer in the 77th minute, when Becker controlled a long-ball with his chest before slamming it past Casteels for his sixth goal of the season.

While Union sit in first, Wolfsburg end the round second last in the table, with one win and two draws from seven matches.

Manager Kovac told the post-match press conference "Union deserved the victory", but said it was too early for the Wolves to be concerned about relegation.

"No-one is relegated after seven games - and no-one becomes champions," Kovac said.

"We are not doing the basics right. Passion, brotherhood, fighting spirit, that's what we are missing at the moment. (And) that's what I see at Union."

Becker and Siebatcheu have combined for nine of Union's 15 goals, with Becker providing three assists.

In Sunday's late game, Hoffenheim held Freiburg 0-0 at home, despite each side having the chance to go second with a victory.

The draw was Freiburg's second successive 0-0 result in a row.

With both sides securing a point, Bayern Munich - who have gone four matches without a win - fell out of the top four.

Also on Sunday, Bochum missed a chance to secure their first win of the season, conceding a late equaliser at home against Cologne to draw 1-1.

Bochum, playing in their first game since firing coach Thomas Reis midweek after losing their first six games, hit the lead through an own goal from Benno Schmitz in the ninth minute.

The home side looked to be holding on for their first win since May, but German midfielder Linton Maina scored in the final minute of regulation time to earn the visitors a draw.