Union Berlin threatens one of the biggest upsets in Bundesliga history when they challenge reigning champions Bayern Munich for the title. They are level on points with the Bavarians with just over a third of the season to play. But will the unthinkable happen? Can Union Berlin beat Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga?
The title race will reach its boiling point this weekend when they play Bayern Munich in a game that could shape the title race and the belief that Union Berlin can lift the trophy.
The history of Union Berlin
Union Berlin has had a roller coaster ride throughout its history to get to the point of competing for the Bundesliga title.
The club was established in its current form in 1966 in East Germany, joining the German league structure after reunification in 1990.
The club struggled financially and competed predominantly in regional leagues before becoming one of the founding members of the 3. Liga in 2008.
The club won the inaugural season of the 3. Liga to earn promotion to the 2. Bundesliga, where they remained until promotion during the 2018/2019 season.
Now they are fighting for the title.
In sports, people like to look at the numbers. It is the same in soccer. In the Bundesliga all-time table, Bayern Munich is further from second place than Union from bottom.
The last time Bayern didn’t win the Bundesliga was in 2012.
The squad values couldn’t be more different: you can buy the entire Köpenick team with the value of Bayern’s central defense.
History suggests: Bayern Munich will be the champion. They have the best team, the most experienced players and self-confidence.
All Bundesliga fans have more or less resigned themselves to it. But football shows us time and time again that there are exceptions to the rule.
While Union Berlin dreams of making an impact in the Bundesliga, they can look to Leicester City as role models.
Leicester City, was in the third division until 2009, promoted to the Premier League in 2014 and became champion in 2016.
So given the similarity in their journeys, it’s only natural to compare the two sides.
The quality of Union Berlin
Union Berlin have built a strong team in recent years, helping them establish themselves in the Bundesliga. A good balance between experienced players and young talent characterizes the squad.
Winter additions Juranovic, Roussillon and Laidouni seem to have integrated very well. Laidouni in particular has shown signs of great potential during a short time in the game.
A three-man defense has been found with the second best defensive statistics in the league.
Will Union Berlin be able to defeat Bayern?
This season Union Berlin is playing in the Europa League as well as the Bundesliga and the national cup. An additional charge that the club is not used to.
So coach Urs Fischer will have no choice but to rotate.
“The team is always on the limit,” said coach Urs Fischer: “How long will it be good? So far we are doing very well. But we cannot give an inch”.
No one should expect 1. FC Union Berlin to win the title this season, as the Bavarians are too experienced and strong.
Union fans sing about winning the championship because they enjoy it. But behind every joke there is always a spark of seriousness.
It is up to the team and coach Urs Fischer to make this miracle happen. A little support from Bayern could also help; They already dropped a few points in 2023, which is not usual.
This season is the best opportunity to knock FC Bayern off the throne.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Matthias Koch
