Ansah's debut double powers Union past frustrated Stuttgart | OneFootball

Union Berlin showed ruthless finishing as they kicked off the Bundesliga season with a 2-1 victory over reigning DFB-Pokal champions Stuttgart at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Saturday.

Ilyas Ansah, who has joined the Berlin side from Paderborn over the summer, scored both goals in a memorable Bundesliga debut for the 20-year-old.

Determined to bounce back from their 2-1 Supercup loss to Bayern Munich, Stuttgart came close to taking the lead just 11 minutes in, but Jeff Chabot's header was brilliantly denied by Frederik Rønnow.

Although the visitors largely controlled the early stages, Union struck first in the 18th minute. Ilyas Ansah unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area that went in off the post and put Union ahead against the run of play.

The visitors pressed for an equaliser and forced Rønnow into a couple of strong saves, most notably when he tipped Atakan Karazor's shot onto the post just before halftime.

Just after that, Union went up the other end and doubled their advantage. Andrej Ilic delivered a precise cross, and once again, 20-year-old Ansah was on target, smashing a volley into the net to give the home side a two-goal lead at the break.

Stuttgart came close to reducing the deficit early in the second half, but Deniz Undav's header hit the woodwork.

Sebastian Hoeness’ side eventually pulled one back late on, when Tiago Tomas produced a cheeky heeled finish to make it 2-1 and give his team a late lifeline.

Nick Woltemade thought he had salvaged a point for Stuttgart deep into injury time, but his goal was ruled out for offside, and Union held on to claim a 2-1 victory.