Union Berlin Forces Bundesliga Leaders Bayern Munich to a 1-1 Draw

A moment of uncertainty from goalkeeper Jonas Urbig allowed Benedict Hollerbach to score a late goal as Union Berlin secured a 1-1 home draw against Bayern Munich on Saturday, although Bayern still increased their lead atop the Bundesliga table to nine points.

With their eyes on a record-extending 34th league title, Bayern climbed to 62 points. Reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen, currently in second place, have a game in hand and are set to face Stuttgart on Sunday.

Vincent Kompany's Bayern began the match aggressively, dominating possession in Union's half. However, the home side remained compact in defense, restricting their opponents to mostly long-range attempts.

Bayern's best opportunity in a goalless first half came in stoppage time when Michael Olise assisted Serge Gnabry, but his shot from a tight angle was saved by goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow.

After halftime, Bayern continued to apply pressure, but Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane squandered chances from promising positions. Substitute Leroy Sane finally broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, converting Olise's cutback.

Despite their early dominance, Bayern's lead lasted only eight minutes. Union, preferring to absorb pressure for most of the match, made a double substitution in search of an equalizer and managed to catch Bayern off guard.

Josip Juranovic delivered a cross into the penalty area, but Urbig, who has stepped in for the injured Manuel Neuer and Daniel Peretz, could only produce a weak punch. This was quickly headed in by former Bayern academy player Hollerbach.

The draw marks Bayern's second consecutive league match without a victory, following their surprising 3-2 home loss to Bochum last week. For Union, who remain winless in 12 Bundesliga encounters with Bayern, the result lifted them one spot to 13th place.

Mark B Thomas contributed to this article for TROIB News