Arminia Bielefeld 1-0 Union Berlin
Goal: 1-0 Okugawa 53’ (assist: Wimmer)

Sitting 15th and seventh respectively ahead of the matchday, Bielefeld and Union were in the same positions they ended last season. Yet it was the lower-ranked home side – buoyed by five unbeaten games in a row at the SchücoArena – who looked the better side, seeing more of the ball and having seven attempts on goal in the first half. But the closest they came was an effort from Patrick Wimmer – the recently named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for January – that struck the outside of the post from 20 yards. Despite their dominance and restriction of the Berliners, the away side did manage to carve out two telling opportunities. The first came when Sheraldo Becker nipped in onto a long ball but was denied by Stefan Ortega, who also saved from Taiwo Awoniyi on the rebound. Becker turned provider for the second, but new signing Sven Michel flicked his stooping header wide.

It didn’t take Arminia long to make the breakthrough after the restart, though. The impressive Wimmer showed great control in a tight space and passed through to Okugawa, who buried from close range. Awoniyi had a chance to provide a quick reply at the other end, but he was denied by the outstretched leg of Ortega. Bielefeld looked content to defend their lead and allowed Die Eisernen the majority of possession as they dropped back into formation. There was no way through for the Berliners, while Alessandro Schöpf came close to making it two for the hosts, only to be denied by a strong hand from Andreas Luthe. It meant Arminia recorded just their second home victory of the season – to go with eight draws and three defeats – and keep their survival push on track. Union missed out on a chance to move into a European qualification spot as they lost for the third matchday running.

DSC Bielefeld Arminia Bielefeld - FCU Union Berlin Union Berlin

Okugawa downs Union for Bielefeld