Union Berlin, a soccer club from the German capital, has defied the odds and made history by qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. The team, which was on the brink of financial ruin two decades ago, will face 14-time champions Real Madrid in Spain on Wednesday.
A club with a cult following
Union Berlin is based in the Köpenick area of Berlin, in what was East Germany before reunification. The club was favored by anti-establishment types who opposed the Communist regime. The fans are known for their passionate and loyal support, creating a unique atmosphere at their home stadium, Stadion An der Alten Försterei (Stadium at the Old Forester’s House).
The stadium, which has a capacity of 22,000, is surrounded by trees and has standing terraces for most of the spectators. The fans are allowed to smoke, drink and grill meat inside the stadium. They also sing and chant non-stop throughout the game, following a set list that everyone knows by heart.
Union Berlin’s fans have also shown their dedication by helping the club in times of need. In 2004, when the club was facing bankruptcy, the fans donated blood and gave the money to the club. In 2008, when the stadium needed renovation, the fans volunteered to do the work themselves, contributing more than 140,000 hours of labor.
A team with a modest budget
Union Berlin’s success on the pitch is even more remarkable considering their limited resources. The club has one of the lowest budgets in the Bundesliga, the top division of German soccer. According to Transfermarkt, a website that tracks player values and transfers, Union Berlin’s squad is worth about €77 million ($90 million), which is less than a tenth of Real Madrid’s squad value of €823 million ($965 million).
Union Berlin does not have any outside investors or wealthy owners. The club is run by its members, who have a majority of voting rights under the “50+1 rule” in German soccer. This rule prevents private investors from taking over clubs and ensures that they serve their local communities.
Union Berlin’s coach, Urs Fischer, has built a team that plays with cohesion, discipline and determination. The team relies on a solid defense, a hard-working midfield and a clinical attack. The club has also made some smart signings, such as Max Kruse, a former German international who joined Union Berlin last year after playing in Turkey.
A dream come true
Union Berlin’s rise to the Champions League is a fairy tale story that few could have imagined. The club spent most of its history in the lower leagues of German soccer, often struggling to survive. The club was promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time in 2019, after winning a playoff against VfB Stuttgart.
In their debut season in the top flight, Union Berlin exceeded expectations and finished 11th in the table, securing their survival. Last season, they did even better and finished fourth, ahead of more established teams such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. This earned them a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds, where they beat KuPS from Finland and Slavia Prague from the Czech Republic to reach the group stage.
Union Berlin’s reward is a place in Group D, alongside Real Madrid, Inter Milan from Italy and Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine. These are some of the most successful and prestigious clubs in European soccer, with a combined total of 23 Champions League titles.
Union Berlin’s fans are ecstatic about their team’s achievement and are looking forward to seeing them compete against the best in Europe. They are also hoping to travel to Madrid to support their team in person, as COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Spain. However, they will face a tough challenge against Real Madrid, who have won their first four games in La Liga this season and have some of the world’s top players such as Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
Union Berlin’s players are aware of the difficulty of their task, but they are not intimidated by their opponents. They are confident in their abilities and their style of play. They are also motivated by their history and their fans, who have always stood by them through thick and thin.
Union Berlin’s motto is “Eisern Union” (Iron Union), which reflects their strength and resilience. They have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with in German soccer. Now they are ready to take on Europe and make their mark on the world stage.
