Union Berlin demolished FC Augsburg 4-0 at home, with Andrej Ilić scoring twice to lead a dominant performance that showcased clinical finishing and defensive control.
Union Berlin came into this Bundesliga clash sitting 12th in the table with 36 points from 33 matches. FC Augsburg occupied ninth place with 43 points, looking to build on recent form. The visitors arrived at Stadion An der Alten Försterei as the slight favorites based on league position alone.
The hosts made their intentions clear from the opening moments. Andrej Ilić fired Union ahead in just the 10th minute, striking with precision to set the tone early. Union pressed their advantage and controlled the tempo throughout the opening quarter.
Augsburg struggled to find their rhythm in midfield. Union's passing was crisp and purposeful, with 84% accuracy keeping possession flowing. The visitors managed only one shot on target in the entire first half.
Ilić doubled his tally in the 42nd minute, striking again to give Union a commanding 2-0 lead at the break. The Serbian forward proved unstoppable, completing a perfect first-half performance with two clinical finishes. Union had created far more danger, registering nine shots on target compared to Augsburg's lone effort.
The second half promised little change in momentum. Union had established clear superiority and Augsburg offered minimal resistance. The visitors managed nine corner kicks but converted none into meaningful chances.
András Schäfer added a third goal in the 54th minute, extending Union's lead to 3-0. The midfielder's finish capped a period of sustained pressure. Augsburg's defense had no answers for Union's fluid attacking movements.
Union continued to press forward despite the comfortable advantage. Schäfer created two key chances during the match while also making four tackles. The midfielder controlled the game from his position.
Woo-Yeong Jeong sealed the rout in the 89th minute, scoring Union's fourth to complete a comprehensive victory. The substitute made an immediate impact off the bench. Union's attack had been relentless throughout the 90 minutes.
The statistics painted a clear picture of Union's dominance. Union recorded 16 total shots with nine on target, while Augsburg managed 11 shots with just one on target. Expected goals told the story too, with Union at 2.73 compared to Augsburg's 0.56. Union's goalkeeper made only one save.
This result keeps Union's faint hopes of climbing the table alive. Augsburg's ninth-place finish now looks vulnerable following this heavy defeat. The gap between the teams proved far wider than the league standings suggested on the day.
