Borussia Dortmund remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga but have now gone three matches without a win in all competitions after being held to a 0-0 draw by struggling Union Berlin.
Dortmund’s record in the league now stands at four wins and two draws, while their recent run across all competitions is two draws and one defeat. The result moved them to the top of the live Bundesliga standings, at least temporarily, but Edin Terzic’s side were unable to find a way through a Union defence that had conceded 17 goals in their first four league matches.
The opening half-hour offered little entertainment, although Union Berlin will have been encouraged by how comfortably they contained the visitors. Dortmund dominated possession but failed to register a shot on target, with clear chances proving difficult to create at either end.
That lack of attacking threat was particularly notable given that nine of Union’s previous 10 matches had produced more than 3.5 goals. Instead, the first half was defined by a succession of fouls, with five yellow cards shown during a scrappy opening 35 minutes.
The closest either side came before the interval arrived when Kastriot Imeri’s curling set-piece delivery almost found its way directly into the net. Gregor Kobel reacted quickly to prevent the ball from going in, providing the only significant moment in an otherwise uneventful first period.
Dortmund have scored only three goals before half-time this season, although they have found the net five times during the final 15 minutes of matches. That record offered their travelling supporters some encouragement for the second half.
They finally produced a notable opening 11 minutes after the restart. Maximilian Beier met Julian Ryerson’s deep cross first time, but his effort flew into the advertising hoardings.
Union then had an opportunity to punish Dortmund’s lack of attacking urgency when Tim Skarke broke through on goal. However, under pressure, he could not direct his attempt on target.
The game’s momentum was disrupted by a lengthy stoppage after Konstantinos Karetsas was forced to leave the field with an injury. Fabio Silva created a late opening for the hosts by sending a low cross across the face of goal, before teenager Mathis Albert headed wide at the far post.
Those chances ultimately failed to produce a breakthrough, leaving Union Berlin with a point from a match in which they secured a second successive clean sheet after recording one in their first league victory of the season.
All five of Union’s Bundesliga points this season have been earned at home. They remain in the relegation play-off place at this early stage, while Dortmund sit first in the table.
Flashscore’s Man of the Match was Borussia Dortmund defender Joane Gadou.