After suffering a sobering 3–0 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on a brisk evening at Signal Iduna Park, Union Berlin’s goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow offered a candid and critical assessment of his team’s performance—one that laid bare the frustrations, missed opportunities, and recurring struggles that have plagued Die Eisernen in recent seasons when facing the Bundesliga giants. The Danish shot-stopper, known for his composed demeanor and leadership from the back, did not mince words as he reflected on a match that began with promise but quickly descended into disappointment. His comments, delivered with the quiet intensity of a player who demands more from himself and his teammates, painted a picture of a side still grappling with the mental and tactical demands of competing against Germany’s elite.
“We started really good,” Rønnow said, his voice tinged with both pride and regret. “Especially in the first 15 to 20 minutes, we were aggressive, we pressed well, and we had control. But then they had more control in the rest of the first half and they scored the goal.” That goal, which came after a period of sustained Dortmund pressure, was described by Rønnow as “stupid”—a lapse in concentration that undid the early work and shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the hosts. It was a moment emblematic of Union’s broader struggles: flashes of quality undone by moments of carelessness, and a failure to maintain intensity across the full ninety minutes.
Union’s tactical setup in the opening stages had shown promise. Urs Fischer’s side, despite being away from the familiar confines of the Alte Försterei, began with a compact shape and a clear plan to disrupt Dortmund’s rhythm. The midfield trio of Rani Khedira, Janik Haberer, and Lucas Tousart worked tirelessly to close down passing lanes, while wing-backs Josip Juranović and Robin Gosens pushed high to support transitions. Up front, Kevin Volland and Benedict Hollerbach looked to stretch the Dortmund backline, and for a brief spell, the visitors looked capable of causing problems. But as the half wore on, Dortmund’s superior technical quality and spatial awareness began to tell. Julian Brandt and Marcel Sabitzer found pockets of space, and Karim Adeyemi’s pace on the flanks began to stretch Union’s defensive shape.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, and it was a goal that left Rønnow visibly frustrated. A miscommunication between Gosens and Diogo Leite allowed Adeyemi to slip through, and his low cross was met by Niclas Füllkrug, who finished clinically from close range. Rønnow, despite getting a hand to the ball, could not prevent it from crossing the line. “It was a stupid goal for us to concede,” he reiterated. “We had done well to keep them out until then, but one mistake and they punish you. That’s the level we’re playing at.” The goal deflated Union’s early momentum and gave Dortmund the confidence to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the half.
Union responded after the break with renewed urgency. Fischer made subtle adjustments, instructing his midfield to push higher and encouraging Gosens to overlap more aggressively. The visitors carved out two clear chances early in the second half—both falling to Volland, whose first effort was parried by Gregor Kobel and whose second was smothered at the near post. Rønnow, watching from the opposite end, could only shake his head as the opportunities went begging. “We had two good chances that their goalkeeper saved well,” he said. “And then they make it 2–0. Instead of possibly equalizing the game, it becomes 2–0 to Dortmund and it’s just not good enough.”
The second goal, which arrived in the 58th minute, was a dagger to Union’s hopes. A quick transition saw Sabitzer release Adeyemi down the right, and his cutback found Brandt unmarked at the edge of the box. The midfielder took a touch and curled a shot past Rønnow, who was unsighted by a crowd of bodies. It was a goal that showcased Dortmund’s fluidity and Union’s defensive disorganization. From that point on, the match felt like a formality. Union pushed forward in search of a lifeline, but their attacks lacked cohesion, and Dortmund’s counterattacks grew increasingly dangerous.
The third goal, scored by substitute Youssoufa Moukoko in the 83rd minute, was the final blow. A long ball over the top caught Union’s high line off guard, and Moukoko raced through to finish with aplomb. Rønnow, left exposed once again, had no chance. The final whistle brought an end to a night that began with optimism but ended in familiar frustration. For Union, the defeat was not just about the scoreline—it was about the recurring inability to rise to the occasion against top-tier opposition, particularly Dortmund, who have now beaten them in each of their last five meetings.
When asked about this troubling trend, Rønnow was forthright. “Super difficult,” he admitted. “We have struggled coming here during my time at Union. There were good things today, but for me, things we have to do better. Especially when we play a top opponent like this; we have to be more brave with the ball and sharp in every situation in both penalty areas.” His words spoke to a broader issue—Union’s tendency to retreat into caution against stronger sides, sacrificing their usual intensity and directness for a more conservative approach that often backfires. Against Dortmund, bravery with the ball was lacking, and sharpness in both boxes was absent.
The goalkeeper’s critique was not aimed at any individual but rather at the collective mentality. Union, a club that has built its identity on resilience and unity, must now confront the reality that tactical discipline alone is not enough. Against teams like Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig, technical precision, mental fortitude, and ruthless execution are essential. Rønnow’s call for bravery was a plea for evolution—a recognition that Union must adapt if they are to compete consistently at the top level.
Looking ahead, Union will have time to regroup during the international break before returning to Bundesliga action on Matchday 3, when they host TSG Hoffenheim at the Alte Försterei on 13 September. The fixture offers a chance to reset, to rediscover the aggressive, high-energy football that has defined their rise in recent years. Hoffenheim, while dangerous, do not possess the same firepower as Dortmund, and Union will be expected to assert themselves. For Rønnow and his teammates, the challenge will be to translate frustration into focus, and criticism into improvement.
In the broader context of Union’s season, the defeat to Dortmund serves as a litmus test. It reveals the gap that still exists between Die Eisernen and the Bundesliga’s elite, but it also highlights the potential for growth. The squad, bolstered by summer signings and a deep bench, has the tools to compete. What remains is the psychological shift—the willingness to take risks, to play with courage, and to embrace the pressure of big occasions. Rønnow’s words, delivered with clarity and conviction, may well serve as a turning point in that journey.
As the lights dimmed over Signal Iduna Park and the players made their way down the tunnel, the contrast in emotions was stark. Dortmund celebrated a professional, clinical victory—one that reaffirmed their title ambitions and showcased their depth. Union, meanwhile, departed with heavy legs and heavier hearts, knowing that the margin between success and failure is often measured in moments. For Rønnow, the evening was a reminder of the standards required at this level, and a call to arms for the matches to come.
