Union Berlin – Bayern Munich
Union Berlin is entering the Bundesliga clash against league leaders Bayern Munich with newfound confidence. After the important 2-1 away win at Eintracht Frankfurt, coach Steffen Baumgart’s team is hoping to take the momentum into the home game at the Alte Försterei on Saturday. With 26 points, Berlin are in 14th place in the table, level on points with Hoffenheim and four points ahead of St. Pauli. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, are in top form: Vincent Kompany’s team underlined their ambitions with a convincing 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen and lead the table with 61 points – eight points ahead of their pursuers Leverkusen. In the direct comparison, a lot speaks for the guests. Bayern have won the last four meetings, most recently 3-0 in the first leg. A victory for Union would therefore be a huge surprise.
Union Berlin – Bayern Munich Infos
- Stadium: Stadion An der Alten Försterei, Berlin
- Date and time: 03/15/2025, 3:30 p.m.
- Competition: Bundesliga
Union Berlin Form & Balance Check
Union Berlin has experienced a real rollercoaster ride in recent weeks. The 2-1 win in Frankfurt ended a run of three consecutive defeats, including a sobering 6-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund and a bitter 1-0 home defeat to newly promoted Holstein Kiel. Interestingly, in four of the last five games, Union fell behind in the first half – in 80% of these encounters, Union were behind after 45 minutes. Thanks to goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow and late comebacks, the team was able to salvage important points, but this high energy level is difficult to maintain over a long period of time. On a positive note, set-pieces have recently been a source of danger, as proven by Leopold Querfeld’s equalizer against Frankfurt. The intensive training under Steffen Baumgart seems to be gradually bearing fruit.
In the duel with Bayern, Union Berlin are likely to rely on the proven 3-5-2 system again. Frederik Rønnow, who has already saved three penalties this season, is expected to be between the posts. Doekhi, Querfeld and Leite could be deployed in the back three, with Querfeld hoping to build on his first goal against Frankfurt. The experienced Christopher Trimmel and Josip Juranović are likely to operate on the flanks. Rani Khedira, Lucas Tousart and Janik Haberer are expected to start in the center, while Skarke and Ilić will presumably lead the line. Despite his good performances in training, Kevin Volland will probably have to settle for a substitute role. Robert Skov (foot injury) is also an important player who will be missing, as are Ogbemudia and Kemlein.
Bayern Munich Form & Record Check
FC Bayern Munich are currently in remarkable form. Vincent Kompany’s team have won four of their last five games, with only a surprising 3-2 defeat to VfL Bochum spoiling their otherwise flawless record. Bayern have been particularly convincing in the Champions League, winning 2-0 away at Bayer Leverkusen, among other games. Harry Kane shone with a goal and an assist for Alphonso Davies; with 31 goals in 34 appearances, the Englishman impressively underlines his world-class status. Interestingly, Bayern have scored more than 2.5 goals in four of their last five games and have scored in 80% of those games, both before and after half-time. However, Manuel Neuer is out with a torn muscle, which he sustained while celebrating a goal, which is why 21-year-old Jonas Urbig could once again be between the posts. Talent Aleksandar Pavlovic is also missing due to glandular fever. At least Joshua Kimmich is staying with the club and, together with Leon Goretzka, forms the heart of the midfield. Despite the defeat against Bochum, Bayern are performing as a united and confident unit, which is also evident in the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan.
At Bayern, coach Vincent Kompany is likely to stick with his proven 4-2-3-1 formation. After the convincing performance in the Champions League against Leverkusen, there is little to suggest that changes will be made to the starting lineup. This means that Jonas Urbig is likely to keep goal again, as Manuel Neuer is still out with a torn muscle fiber. In the back four, Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-Jae and Alphonso Davies are expected to start. In central midfield, both the injured Aleksandar Pavlovic and Manuel Neuer will be missing – in their place, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are likely to come into focus. The offensive three-man row is likely to be Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman, while Harry Kane, after his brilliant performance in Leverkusen, is likely to be the striker again.
Union Berlin – Bayern Munich head-to-head & statistics
In the last five head-to-head duels between Union Berlin and Bayern Munich, the record champions have shown clear dominance. Bayern have won four of the matches, with the Berliners only managing a draw once. The most recent encounter in November 2024 ended with a clear 3-0 victory for Munich, and before that there was a clear 5-1 victory in April 2024 at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Bayern’s early offensive drive is striking: in 80% of these encounters, the record champions have already scored a goal in the first half. Union has never been able to win or even take the lead in either half, which proves how difficult the duel against the industry leader traditionally is.
