Union Berlin-Union Saint-Gilloise is a Europa League round of 16 first leg match played on Thursday at 18:45: predictions.
What had already been dubbed the ‘Union derby’ during the group stage pits two teams who, until a few seasons ago, were struggling in the lower leagues of their respective football systems against each other. Union Berlin, in fact, was only promoted to the top flight for the first time in 2019. Similar is the story of Union Saint-Gilloise, which returned to the Belgian Pro League two years ago after an absence of 48 years.
Both are therefore living a dream: despite their limited resources compared to other, richer and more highly-rated clubs, thanks to a commendable planning ability they have now become two beautiful realities and now do not want to set themselves any limits. Union Berlin, which had already tasted Europe last season by participating in the Conference League, is even in the title fight with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Urs Fischer’s men, however, have suffered the blow after the heavy defeat in the direct clash with the Bavarians a fortnight ago at the Allianz Arena: a 3-0 that put an end to the long series of unbeaten streak of the red and white, who slipped to – 5 from the first place following last Saturday’s blank-net draw with Cologne. They may be out of reach to win the league but they remain in the running for a Champions League place, a feat that would still be sensational.
The two unions had already clashed in the group stage
In the Europa League play-offs, meanwhile, they had already taken the illustrious scalp of Ajax, one of the Champions League relegation champions, by drawing 0-0 in Amsterdam and winning 3-1 in the German capital. Undoubtedly another show of strength.
Boniface
The Berliners are now dreaming of ‘revenge’ on Saint-Gilloise, who had finished ahead of them in the round by one point more in the standings. The two direct clashes had ended with one victory on each side: the Belgians won in Germany, while Fischer’s team took revenge just before the World Cup break in Belgium. Both matches ended with the result 0-1, which is already a big indication ahead of this new double-header. Meanwhile, Union Saint-Gilloise continue their pursuit of the elusive Genk in the Belgian championship and are second in the standings on 59 points. In their last match, the Karel Geraerts-coached side won 2-1 over Eupen.
The prediction
Slight downturn for both sides after a high January. The midweek commitments have slowed Union Berlin down a bit, as they do not have a very deep squad to cope with two competitions. In the one-day phase we witnessed two very balanced competitions, which were far from spectacular and not very prolific. And the feeling is that it will be like that this time too, with the Germans anyway slightly favoured. The total number of goals should be less than three.
Union Berlin v Union Saint-Gilloise (Union Berlin v Union Saint-Gilloise): line-ups
- UNION BERLIN (3-5-2): Ronnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Juranovic, Thorsby, Khedira, Haberer, Roussillon; Siebatcheu, Becker.
- UNION SAINT-GILLOISE (3-5-2): Moris; Sykes, Burgess, van der Heyden; Lapoussin, Lynen, Teuma, Amani, Adingra; Vertessen, Boniface.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-0