1. FC Union Berlin and Fortuna Düsseldorf couldn't be split on their first outings of the 2015-16 2. Bundesliga season, with Didier Ya Konan's late strike cancelling out Benjamin Kessel's header.

Union began with four new signings for the first outing of the campaign. Bobby Wood, Maximilian Thiel, Stephan Fürstner and Kessel all earned a starting berth, with Norbert Düwel putting out an incredibly strong side to send a message to their opponents - the capital club mean business this term.

For Fortuna and new boss Frank Kramer, it was also a case of showing off a plethora of summer additions. Kevin Akpoguma, Karim Haggui, Christian Strohdiek, Julian Koch, Sercan Sararer and Didier Ya Konan were installed straight into the starting line-up, a sign just how much Kramer had changed the squad since he took charge.

Kessel gets his time in Berlin off to the perfect start

The fresh-faced Fortuna couldn't cope with the 3-5-2 that Union were running and fell behind in just the fifth minute. Christopher Trimmel delivered a great free-kick from deep, picking out Kessel on the edge of the area. The former Eintracht Braunschweig defender rose above all around him and powered home a header from the edge of the box, sending the home fans into a frenzy - the Westphalians were shell-shocked.

Trimmel almost had a goal of his own soon after, although his header didn't quite have enough to get past Michael Rensing in the Fortuna goal. From there, the visitors began to gain and foothold and grew in confidence as the half went on. Daniel Haas was to thank for keeping out Sararer's effort, while Haggui passed up another good opportunity.

The major moment of the half came when Günter Perl turned down fierce penalty appeals after Kessel appeared to move his arm towards the ball. Disbelief was struck across the travelling fans and players alike, struggling to fathom how the referee had decided against awarding them a spot-kick.

Second half provides further chances, but no more goals

Tensions grew in the second period and Sören Brandy's fine solo effort almost killed the game off for Union, who were struggling to get out of their defensive shape. Haas was called into action again on the hour mark, denying the dangerous Ya Konan with a solid stop after Fortuna's quick counter.

Ilhas Bebou's introduction for a lacklustre Mathis Bolly proved a vital one, and he missed another good chance along with Lukas Schmitz. Damir Kreilach and Ya Konan traded shots before Collin Quaner couldn't find the finish to end the contest once and for all.

Fortuna strike save their skins late on

Michael Liendl and Mark van Duinen were denied twice in quick succession, though there was to be no heartbreak for the Fortuna faithful. A lovely move involving Liendl and Bebou involved the latter turning his man before drilling low towards Ya Konan. The Ivory Coast forward drew on all his experience to stay cool and finish under Haas to seal a point - one which neither side will complain about, all things considered.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]