Some spectators had not even taken their seats when it was already 1-0 for the guests: Tim Skarke, today's captain, won the ball early and sent Marin Ljubičić into space. The striker remained cool in front of the goalkeeper and scored just under 30 seconds into the match for an early lead.

After about ten minutes, VSG ventured forward decisively for the first time. Jonas Saliger shot from the edge of the penalty area after a quick feint but only hit the outside of the post. Shortly afterwards, the hosts created further opportunities: First, Tim Rieder failed with a low shot against Union keeper Matheo Raab, and shortly after, Sydney Mohamed Sylla sent the ball from close range into the side netting (23rd minute).

VSG kept pressing – and was rewarded: A cross from the halfway line was converted by Jonas Nietfeld with a precise header into the far corner to equalize (35th minute). Union pushed again in the minutes before halftime for a renewed lead, but a long-range shot by Wooyeong Jeong sailed just over the crossbar (38th minute). The match went into the break with a 1-1 draw.