As the crisp autumn air settles over the historic Stadion An der Alten Försterei on September 28, 2025, a captivating Bundesliga encounter awaits as 1. FC Union Berlin face off against newly-promoted Hamburger SV. This fixture carries an intriguing narrative beyond just three points; it pits Union Berlin’s renowned “underdog spirit” and fervent home support against a storied club in Hamburg, eager to re-establish themselves in Germany’s top flight after a seven-year absence. What’s at stake is not merely league position, but bragging rights and a crucial early-season statement for both sides looking to solidify their Bundesliga ambitions.
Head-to-Head History
The historical encounters between Union Berlin and Hamburger SV have been relatively few but tell an interesting story of Union’s resilience. In their direct clashes, a limited history of two matches has seen Union Berlin emerge with one win and one draw, with Hamburger SV yet to secure a victory against the capital club.
- Total matches played: 2
- Union Berlin wins: 1
- Hamburger SV wins: 0
- Draws: 1
Their last known meeting at Stadion An der Alten Försterei resulted in a 2-0 home victory for Union Berlin during their time in the 2. Bundesliga. Another notable result was a 2-2 draw between the two sides in November 2018. These results suggest Union Berlin holds a psychological edge when playing Hamburg.
Current Form & Team News
As the Bundesliga season progresses into late September 2025, both teams present a mixed bag of early-season form. It is important to note that specific real-time injury and suspension news for this future date is speculative; however, we can project based on hypothetical team performance and established squad dynamics.
Union Berlin
Union Berlin concluded the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season in 13th position, accumulating 40 points from 10 wins, 10 draws, and 14 losses. Their form in the nascent 2025-2026 Bundesliga season is currently considered “Good overall,” with a hypothetical record of 2 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses in their opening league fixtures. At home, they maintain a decent record, with 1 win and 1 loss. Under the guidance of head coach Steffen Baumgart, who took over in December 2024, Union Berlin are known for their defensive solidity, quick transitions, and direct attacking play. They prioritize defensive order and security, often operating with a mid-low block and applying intense pressure to win the ball quickly.
Key Players in Form (hypothetical for 2025/26 season): Early season reports suggest Andrej Ilic and Ilyas Ansah have been among Union’s top scorers with 4 goals each, while Oliver Burke has chipped in with 3. Andrej Ilic has also been a leading assist maker with 4.
Hamburger SV
Hamburger SV achieved promotion to the Bundesliga at the end of the 2024-2025 season, finishing 2nd in the 2. Bundesliga with 59 points (16 wins, 11 draws, 7 losses). Their return to the top flight has seen a “Poor overall” start to the 2025-2026 Bundesliga campaign, with a hypothetical record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Their away form has been particularly challenging, registering 0 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Merlin Polzin, appointed as manager in November 2024, oversees a side that employs an aggressive, high-intensity “Pressing All Over” style, often in a 4-2-3-1 wide formation. HSV aims to overwhelm opponents with a high defensive line and fast, direct passing, frequently attacking down the left flank.
Key Players in Form (hypothetical for 2025/26 season): Davie Selke, their top scorer in the 2. Bundesliga with 20 goals last season, continues to be a focal point, with 5 goals early in the current season. Ransford Koenigsdoerffer has scored 3, and Robert Glatzel 2, while Jean-Luc Dompe has provided 4 assists.
Tactical Preview
This match promises a clash of contrasting, yet equally intense, tactical approaches. Union Berlin, under Steffen Baumgart, is expected to deploy a disciplined and physically robust system, often a 5-3-2 or a variation of a 3/4-man defense. Their strength lies in their defensive organization, quick transitions, and direct play, aiming to exploit spaces with long balls and aggressive runs from their wing-backs and forwards. Union are comfortable playing in their own half and do not prioritize possession, instead focusing on creating scoring chances from counter-attacks and set pieces.
Hamburger SV, led by Merlin Polzin, will likely stick to their confident and aggressive 4-2-3-1 wide system. They are known for their high-intensity press across the pitch, a high defensive line, and fast, direct passing. HSV’s build-up often involves their goalkeeper, Daniel Heuer Fernandes, acting almost as a third center-back, facilitating intricate short-passing sequences to draw in opponents. Their attacking thrust often comes down the left, with advanced midfielders actively engaging defenders.
The midfield battle will be crucial, pitting Union’s compact mid-low block against Hamburg’s relentless pressing and attempts to get their creative players on the ball in dangerous areas. Union’s defensive weaknesses include avoiding offside, defending counter-attacks and through balls, and maintaining possession. Hamburg, too, has shown vulnerabilities in keeping possession, finishing scoring chances, and defending against long shots, counter-attacks, and through balls. This suggests that both teams might find joy in exploiting their opponent’s defensive frailties.
Weather conditions in Berlin during late September are typically mild, with average maximum temperatures around 19-20°C (66-68°F). There’s a chance of rain, with September averaging 8-12 rainy days. The 17:30 kickoff means temperatures will be cooling, and a wet pitch could favor Union’s direct style and make Hamburg’s intricate passing more challenging.
