Analysis The numbers behind the result
Schalke clinically punish wasteful Union Berlin in transition
Despite dominating possession (66%) and outshooting Schalke (20 to 19), Union Berlin's high-volume approach (17 shots inside the box) lacked precision (only 8 on target) as Schalke converted ruthlessly. The visitors scored from their first two big chances - Robin Gosens' opener (25') and Adil Aouchiche's immediate second-half strike (46') - before Maximilian Wöber's late counter (90+13') sealed it. Tim Skarke's consolation (90+6') came too late.
Union's inefficiency was stark: they needed 20 shots to register 1 non-penalty goal (xG unavailable but implied by conversion rates). Schalke's clinical edge was evident in matching Union's shots on target (10) from fewer attempts, with Hwang Hee-Chan instrumental in two assists. The defensive shift to a back five after going 2-0 up stifled Union's buildup, limiting them to just 4 corners despite 66% possession.
The decisive stat: Schalke scored 3 goals from 11 shots inside the box (27% conversion) compared to Union's 1 from 17 (6%), epitomizing a textbook away smash-and-grab.