BERLIN — Kevin Behrens scored a hat trick and Frederik Rönnow saved two penalties for Union Berlin to begin the Bundesliga season with a 4-1 win over Mainz on Sunday.

United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson began for his league debut and was concerned from the off as he despatched Jérôme Roussillon by means of with a intelligent backheel. Roussillon crossed for Behrens’ first headed aim within the first minute.

Aïssa Laïdouni crossed for Behrens’ second within the ninth, and substitute Sheraldo Becker crossed for his third within the seventieth.

“Today was outstanding,” the 32-year-old Behrens mentioned of his first hat trick within the Bundesliga. “I always try to give full throttle and help the team. It worked out very well for me today.”

Mainz defender Anthony Caci had scored with a superb volley within the sixty fourth, prompting Union coach Urs Fischer to make a double substitution with Robin Gosens approaching for his debut together with Becker, who successfully sealed the outcome along with his exact cross for Behrens.

Former Germany ahead Kevin Volland went on late for his debut and he arrange fellow substitute Miloš Pantović to wrap up the scoring with the final kick of the sport.

PHOTOS: Behrens grabs hat trick, Rönnow saves 2 penalties as Union Berlin beats Mainz in Bundesaliga opener

Union has had a busy offseason reinforcing the squad in preparation for its first season enjoying within the Champions League. The Köpenick-based crew surprisingly completed fourth final season to clinch its place in Europe’s premier membership competitors.

Aaronson, on mortgage from relegated Leeds, was one in all three new signings who began for Union together with Czech Republic midfielder Alex Kral and Ivory Coast striker David Datro Fofana.

It was the 22-year-old Aaronson’s fourth league debut in 5 years after his stints at Philadelphia Union (MLS), Salzburg (Austrian Bundesliga) and Leeds (Premier League) earlier than coming to Union.

Fofana, on mortgage from Chelsea, impressed along with his tempo and method. Fofana noticed a strong shot saved by Mainz captain Robin Zentner, then struck the crossbar with a free kick within the thirty third.

The second half sparked to life when Union defender Diogo Leite conceded a penalty for a foul on Brajan Gruda. Rönnow saved Ludovic Ajorque’s spot kick within the 62nd, then repeated the feat within the 88th.

“It was crazy. It was also the first time that I saved a penalty in the Bundesliga at all,” the Danish goalkeeper mentioned.

Kolo Muani’s farewell?

Randal Kolo Muani’s first-half strike was sufficient for Eintracht Frankfurt to beat promoted Darmstadt 1-0 of their derby, amid hypothesis linking the participant with a transfer away.

Frankfurt reportedly turned down a $71 million provide from Paris Saint-Germain for its star ahead and was holding out for $110 million.

Sporting director Markus Krösche confirmed earlier than kickoff that Frankfurt had acquired a proposal for Kolo Muani, who scored within the fortieth minute to provide coach Dino Toppmöller a successful begin.

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