VfL-Wolfsburg-Spieler Yannick Gerhardt springt für einen Kopfball in die Höhe.
First Team

Wolves recover to maintain unbeaten run

VfL Wolfsburg stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches after coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Union Berlin.


Sebastian Andersson’s header four minutes before half-time gave Union the lead against the run of play, before Marvin Friedrich doubled the hosts’ advantage from Christopher Trimmel’s in-swinging delivery. Yannick Gerhardt’s bullet header - the midfielder’s third goal in as many games - reduced the arrears soon afterwards, with Wout Weghorst’s late header salvaging a deserved point for the Wolves.

Mbabu back from suspension

Oliver Glasner made two changes to the VfL side that clinched their place in the UEFA Europa League last 16 in midweek. Kevin Mbabu was back in the starting line-up after serving a one-match European ban in Malmö, while Daniel Ginczek partnered Weghorst in attack. Admir Mehmedi and Xaver Schlager were named among the substitutes at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Dominant Wolves fall behind

Union were marginally the more adventurous side in a disjointed opening to the game, but the hosts struggled to create any major opportunities against a well-drilled and disciplined Wolves side. Chances remained at a premium until midway through the first half, when Weghorst’s firm downward header was saved by Rafal Gikiewicz. The Union goalkeeper managed to get a hand to Weghorst’s rebound effort, before John Anthony Brooks headed over the bar.

Glasner’s charges gradually began to assert their authority on the match as the half wore on. Ginczek’s shot from the edge of the penalty area was blocked by a Union defender, but Urs Fischer’s team took the lead against the run of play when Andersson beat Koen Casteels to Trimmel’s cross to nod into the unguarded net. Play was momentarily interrupted shortly before half-time after a banner was unfurled by supporters behind Gikiewicz’s goal.

Weghorst completes fightback

The Wolves started the second half brightly and might have found themselves back on level terms had Weghorst managed to steer Paulo Otavio’s deep cross into the path of Renato Steffen, but the Dutchman failed to make proper contact with the ball. Maximilian Arnold’s dipping long-range drive flew narrowly over the bar, before Friedrich’s glancing header increased the home side’s lead ten minutes into the second half.

Gerhardt powered a header past Gikiewicz to half the deficit four minutes later, helping swing the momentum firmly back in the direction of the visitors. Joao Victor - on as a 78th-minute substitute for Ginczek - made an instant impact, surging towards the byline before cutting the ball back for Weghorst to head home from close range and rescue a fully deserved point for Glasner’s team.

Union Berlin: Gikiewicz - Friedrich, Schlotterbeck, Subotic - Trimmel, Gentner (Prömel 73’), Andrich, Lenz - Malli (Ingvartsen 66’), Andersson, Bülter (Ryerson 83’)

VfL Wolfsburg: Casteels - Mbabu, Knoche, Brooks, Otavio - Arnold, Gerhardt - Steffen (Mehmedi 63’), Brekalo (Klaus 88’) - Ginczek (Victor 78’), Weghorst

Goals: Andersson (41’), Friedrich (56’), Gerhardt (60’), Weghorst (81’)

Yellow cards: Andrich / Arnold, Steffen

Attendance: 22,012

Referee: Bastian Dankert (Rostock)



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