A clash of momentum at Alte Försterei
Friday evening brings one of the most intriguing matchups of Bundesliga matchday 14, as Union Berlin host RB Leipzig at Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The contrast between the two sides could hardly be more stark. While Steffen Baumgart's men are desperately searching for answers after a dismal run of form, Ole Werner's Leipzig arrive in the capital riding high on confidence following their emphatic 6-0 destruction of Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.
The timing of this fixture feels particularly cruel for Union Berlin. Three consecutive defeats have seen Die Eisernen slide down to 12th place in the standings with 15 points from 13 matches. Their recent troubles extend beyond the league, with Bayern Munich eliminating them from the DFB-Pokal earlier this month. Yet there remains a flicker of hope in Köpenick. This is, after all, the only team in the Bundesliga that Bayern Munich have failed to beat this season.
The table tells a compelling story
A glance at the current Bundesliga standings reveals the scale of the challenge facing Union Berlin. Bayern München sit imperiously at the summit with 37 points from 13 games, their dominance reflected in a remarkable goal difference of +40. Leipzig occupy second place with 29 points, eight points adrift of the leaders but comfortably clear of third-placed Borussia Dortmund on 28 points.
Die Roten Bullen have assembled an impressive record of nine wins, two draws, and just two defeats this term. Their 28 goals scored and only 13 conceded speak to a team that has found balance on both ends of the pitch. Compare that to Union Berlin's 16 goals for and 22 against, and the disparity becomes painfully evident. Yet football is played on grass, not spreadsheets, and the Alte Försterei has been a fortress in seasons past.
Union's home woes raise alarm bells
Perhaps the most concerning trend for Baumgart and his staff is Union Berlin's recent struggles on home soil. Die Eisernen are winless in their last three Bundesliga matches at the Alte Försterei, a venue that once struck fear into visiting teams. More troubling still is the manner of those dropped points. Five league points have been surrendered due to goals conceded in stoppage time, suggesting either defensive fragility in crucial moments or a lack of game management when protecting leads.
The pattern points to psychological as much as tactical issues. When a team consistently fails to see out matches at home, confidence inevitably erodes. Every corner kick or free kick in the closing stages becomes loaded with tension. For Baumgart, finding a way to restore that steely resolve will be paramount not just for Friday's encounter but for the entire second half of the season.
Leipzig's injury crisis fails to slow their momentum
Ole Werner has navigated a challenging period on the injury front with remarkable composure. Ridle Baku and Antonio Nusa remain sidelined with ankle problems. Benjamin Henrichs continues his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury. Teenage sensation Assan Ouedraogo has missed the last three matches due to a knee issue. On paper, these absences should weaken any squad significantly.
Yet Leipzig's 6-0 demolition of Frankfurt demonstrated the depth Werner has at his disposal. Players like Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald, and Xaver Schlager have stepped up in midfield. The attacking trio of Johan Bakayoko, Viggo Harder, and Mohamed Diomande appears capable of causing problems for any defence in the league. Werner's ability to maintain standards despite adversity speaks to both his managerial acumen and the quality of Leipzig's recruitment.
The historical context adds intrigue
Union Berlin have not defeated RB Leipzig since February 2023, a run that extends to four matches without victory against Die Roten Bullen. That statistic weighs heavily heading into Friday's encounter. Leipzig have established a psychological edge in this fixture, and breaking such patterns requires either exceptional individual performances or a tactical masterstroke from the coaching staff.
There is also an ideological dimension to this rivalry that adds spice to proceedings. Union Berlin represent traditional football culture, their roots embedded in the working-class community of Köpenick. Leipzig, backed by Red Bull, embody modern football's commercial realities. When these philosophies collide on the pitch, the atmosphere at the Alte Försterei invariably intensifies.
Team news and expected lineups
Union Berlin will be without Danish forward Robert Skov, who has been nursing a muscle injury since September. Youngster Andrik Markgraf remains a long-term absentee with a leg injury that has kept him sidelined for the entire campaign. Beyond these confirmed absences, Baumgart should have his preferred options available.
The hosts are expected to line up with Frederik Rønnow in goal behind a back three of Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Diogo Leite. The wing-back positions should be occupied by Christopher Trimmel and Janik Haberer, with Rani Khedira and Aljoscha Kemlein providing industry in central midfield. Attacking responsibilities will likely fall to Wooyeong Jeong and Benedict Hollerbach or Kevin Ansah.
Leipzig's probable formation sees Peter Gulacsi protected by a defensive line of Lukas Klostermann, Willi Orbán, and Castello Lukeba, with David Raum operating at left-back. The midfield trio of Seiwald, Schlager, and Baumgartner offers technical quality and pressing intensity in equal measure. Up front, Werner may opt for Bakayoko, Harder, and Diomande to stretch Union's defence.
What Union need to believe
Despite the seemingly overwhelming evidence suggesting a Leipzig victory, there are reasons for Union to approach Friday with cautious optimism. Their record against top teams this season defies their overall league position. The draw against Bayern Munich proves they can match the division's elite on their day. Leipzig, for all their quality, have shown vulnerability in their two defeats this campaign.
Baumgart's side will need to be defensively resolute and ruthlessly efficient in transition. Sitting deep and inviting Leipzig pressure could prove suicidal given Die Roten Bullen's technical proficiency. Instead, Union must press high, disrupt Leipzig's build-up play, and force turnovers in dangerous areas. The Alte Försterei crowd can play its part by creating an intimidating atmosphere.
The bigger picture for both clubs
For RB Leipzig, this match represents more than just three points. It is about maintaining pressure on Bayern Munich heading into the winter break. While an eight-point gap seems substantial, perfection from the leaders is not guaranteed, and Leipzig must be positioned to capitalize on any slip. Victory in Berlin would send a statement of intent to the rest of the league.
Union Berlin's objectives are more modest but equally important. Ending the losing streak before the break would provide Baumgart with a platform to regroup during the pause. Morale in the squad needs restoration, and there is no better way to achieve that than a positive result against quality opposition. The second half of the season will demand better from Die Eisernen if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
A prediction wrapped in uncertainty
The smart money favors Leipzig given their form, quality, and Union's struggles. A 2-1 victory for Die Roten Bullen would surprise few observers. Yet football retains its capacity to shock precisely because form can be misleading and motivation cannot be quantified. Union Berlin have nothing to lose and everything to prove. That combination, paired with a passionate home crowd, could make Friday evening more competitive than the standings suggest.
Whatever the outcome, this fixture offers a fascinating study in contrasts. Leipzig's methodical excellence against Union's desperate determination. Modern football's commercial might against traditional fan culture. The chase for glory against the fight for pride. Friday's clash at the Alte Försterei promises drama regardless of the scoreline.
