Both teams earned a point in an intriguing draw in their first-ever Bundesliga encounter, which also saw Fábio Vieira sent off for the visitors late in the game. On Matchday 4, Union hosted a Hamburg team that recorded their first three points of the season against Heidenheim, following a heart-boosting 4-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Penalty heroics keep scores level
The Irons had the finest chance of the half when Rayan Philippe took down Diogo Leite in the penalty box, despite HSV controlling the early exchanges. Heuer Fernandes skillfully saved Andrej Ilić’s attempt at the spot-kick by diving to his right and pushing the ball away. After that, Hamburg kept control of the ball, and Philippe was very busy, making Frederik Rønnow make multiple saves.
Chances at both ends in second half
Following the break, Union changed things up, and the adjustments gave their play new life. Christopher Trimmel’s corner in the 77th minute did, in fact, come the closest to ending the draw for Die Eisernen. Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer of Hamburg also made a danger, but his shot from inside the box went just wide. Vieira’s hazardous high challenge on Leopold Querfeld in the eighth minute of stoppage time sent the visitors down to 10 men, and both teams settled for a point.
Player of the Match: Daniel Heuer Fernandes
The highlight of the match was the goalie for Hamburg, whose penalty save against Ilić in the tenth minute proved crucial in giving his team a crucial point. Heuer Fernandes denied the Union striker with great anticipation and reflexes, and he remained focused throughout the game to make more saves when needed. Hamburg became the first team this season to keep a clean sheet against Union Berlin thanks to his authoritative presence, which instilled confidence in the defense in front of him.