- FC Union Berlin suffered their first defeat in a friendly match during their preseason. The Bundesliga side lost 0:4 (0:0) to a French Ligue 1 team at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei. In front of 13,317 spectators, Ainsley Maitland-Niles (49th minute), Said Benrahma (65th), and Gift Orban, who scored a brace (75th, 85th), scored for the visitors.
- Clear defeat in the test: Union Berlin 0-4 against Lyon
Union coach Bo Svensson again changed the entire team at halftime to give as many professionals as possible game time. A day after returning from their training camp in Neuruppin, the Berliners looked leggy.
Before the break, Yorbe Vertessen missed the best chance, hitting the crossbar with a header (29th). In defense, Robin Gosens had to clear off the line against Georges Mikautadze (36th).
After the break, Union initially looked more active and aggressive, but it was the French team that scored. Laszlo Benes, the offensive player, did not enjoy his debut in the second half.
Trimmel and Khedira absent
Captain Christopher Trimmel and his deputy Rani Khedira were not in the squad. Trimmel was rested, while Khedira was absent due to illness and could not participate in the team presentation before the match.
Union's next and final friendly before the start of competitive matches will be against Spanish La Liga side Real San Sebastián next Friday (7:00 PM). Last week, they also conceded four goals in a 4:4 draw against Glasgow Rangers.
Earlier in the day, 1. FC Union's women's team also played a friendly at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei. The newly-promoted second division side lost 1:6 (1:1) to first division side Werder Bremen.
Despite the defeat, FC Union Berlin continued their tradition of rotating the team during preseason, with coach Bo Svensson fielding a new lineup after halftime. Following their 0:4 loss to a French Ligue 1 team, the first-team player referred to in the opening sentence will be eager for a turnaround when FC Union Berlin face Real San Sebastián next.
