Union Berlin’s debut UEFA Champions League (UCL) campaign will come to an end this week after they’ve hosted Group C leaders, Real Madrid. When the two clubs met in September, Jude Bellingham netted the winner a minute from time, securing Los Blancos a fully deserved 1-0 win.
Union Berlin
Simply put, Die Eisernen have been extremely poor all season, across every competition. In the UCL, they sit in last place with two points from five matches. The reason for their current position comes down to their poor form in front of goal, scoring just four goals. It is safe to assume that they would be challenging Napoli in second if they were more ruthless in attack, as they have conceded the second fewest in the group, seven.
With new boss, Nenad Bjelica, in charge, the Bundesliga side picked up their first win since August last weekend, as they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 at home. This victory took Union Berlin out of the relegation places, and they will hope that it acts as the catalyst to a rise up the table.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid will be desperate to redeem themselves after last season's almost embarrassing exit out of the Champions League, at least by Los Blancos’ standards. After five games in Group C, they sit in first place, winning every game thus far. Bellingham has been unplayable, registering six goal contributions, just under half of Madrid’s total goal tally (13). They’ve also conceded the least in the group, suffering five goals, four of which came versus Napoli.
Real Madrid was on a five-game win streak prior to this weekend’s 1-1 draw on the road to Real Betis. A win would have taken them above Girona in first place. Despite that result, Madrid are usually excellent on the road, winning six of their nine away La Liga matches.
Verdict?
A win for Union may earn them a spot in the Europa League, as long as Braga doesn’t win against Napoli. Whereas for Madrid, they technically have nothing to play for. Due to the hosts' desperate need of a win and the visitors superior quality, this tie should see goals.
The final prediction is Union Berlin 1-3 Real Madrid.
