Union Berlin Falls to Holstein Kiel in Baumgart's Coaching Debut

In a 2:1 preseason loss, Union Berlin showed promise but missed key opportunities under new coach Steffen Baumgart.

Steffen Baumgart's first game as Union Berlin's head coach ended in a narrow 2:1 defeat to Bundesliga rival Holstein Kiel.
The match, played in Berlin's Stadion An der Alten Försterei, featured an unusual format of four 30-minute quarters in front of 9,035 fans.
Yorbe Vertessen scored a stunning equalizer for Union in the 97th minute, but Kiel's Fiete Arp secured the win with a late goal in the 114th minute.
Union missed several scoring opportunities in the second half, while injuries sidelined key players, including goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow and forward Ivan Prtajin.
Both teams now prepare for the Bundesliga's second half, with Union facing Heidenheim and Kiel traveling to Freiburg next Saturday.