Union Berlin beat SV Elversberg with late Burcu winner

Union Berlin finally got their first Bundesliga win of the season on 10 October, beating SV Elversberg 1-0 at Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Livan Burcu settled it in the 81st minute, after Union Berlin vs SV Elversberg had already started to feel like another night that could slip away.

Burcu stops the slide

The result ended a three-match losing run for Union, a spell that included the 0-7 defeat at Bayern München. That made this a relief more than a statement, especially with Union still on only four points after five Bundesliga matchdays.

Burcu was Union's best performer on the pitch as well as the scorer. He posted a 7.88 rating, the highest for the home side, and his late goal was enough to beat a promoted Elversberg team that arrived with seven points from five matches.

Union's position still needs work

The win does not disguise the bigger numbers around Union's start. They sit 17th, with four goals scored and 17 conceded after five league matches, which leaves a goal difference of -13.

Tim Skarke had already tested Nicolas Kristof in the 15th minute, while Andras Schäfer forced a save from a free kick 11 minutes later. Noah Darvich then made Frederik Rönnow work in first-half stoppage time before Burcu finally broke the deadlock.

The home crowd of 22,012 at a sold-out Stadion An der Alten Försterei had a proper finish to celebrate, but Union's first job was simply getting off the floor. They have done that now, with the first win on the board after five league games.