(Bundesliga 2022/2023): Highlights Union Berlin - Mainz

Union Berlin were looking to defend their 100% record in 2023 and an unbeaten home run stretching back 14 games in the Bundesliga. A win over Mainz would put them top overnight at least. And they broke the deadlock half an hour into a desperately close-fought game. Paul Seguin, who got the decisive goal in the derby last week, turned provider. His cross prodded home by Kevin Behrendt. A late starter to life in the Bundesliga, Behrendt is proving the man for the vital goals for Union. He got the winner in the cup midweek and at half-time, his goal still separated the sides. Mainz had barely threatened all game and never looked like reaching a rock-solid Union back line. But with just a quarter of an hour remaining, they were gifted an equaliser. Seguin was involved again, but at the wrong end. He'd stuck out an elbow to clear from a corner. It wasn't picked up at first, but after the check with video assist, a penalty was awarded. And it was former Union player Markus Ingwardsen who kept his cool from the spot to get Mainz back on improbable level terms. Ingwardsen had scored for both these clubs in this fixture. None had been as significant as this one. But that wasn't the end of the drama. Far from it. It sparked a breathtaking end to the match and it was Union who got a winner. A co-production from three substitutes ended in Jordan smashing home what could prove to be one of the most important goals of the season at the Alta Firsta Rei. Union just refused to accept they can't win every game. And they got back in front with just over five minutes to go. There was a renewed sense of urgency about Mainz, who had finally come to life late in the game. And they provided a heart-stopping moment with the clock ticking down. But having been virtually redundant all afternoon, Frederik Rönnhoff pulled off a spectacular and vital save just when it mattered. And it meant that Union held on to secure a club record equaling fourth straight win and go top for at least a day. This tightest of title races is far from run.