Borussia Dortmund will be desperate to secure their first Bundesliga win of the 2025–26 campaign when they host Union Berlin at the iconic Signal Iduna Park on Sunday afternoon. The season opener left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Black and Yellow faithful, as their side squandered a commanding 3-1 lead against newly promoted St Pauli in the dying minutes of the match. That 3-3 draw not only denied Dortmund a winning start but also marked the first time in over a decade that they failed to win their opening Bundesliga fixture—a statistic that underscores the frustration and urgency now surrounding Niko Kovac’s squad. With the team currently sitting ninth in the table, and Union Berlin perched slightly higher in seventh after a narrow 2-1 victory over Stuttgart, the stakes are already rising in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
The collapse against St Pauli was particularly galling given the control Dortmund had exerted for much of the match. Leading 3-1 with just minutes remaining, the hosts appeared to be cruising toward a routine win. However, a lapse in concentration following St Pauli’s second goal in the 86th minute triggered a catastrophic unraveling. Within three minutes, the visitors had drawn level, leaving Kovac visibly stunned on the touchline. For a club with ambitions of challenging Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig for the title, such defensive frailty is unacceptable. The result also broke a long-standing tradition—Dortmund had won their opening Bundesliga match in each of the previous 11 seasons. Not since the 2007–08 campaign had they failed to win either of their first two league fixtures, and Kovac will be determined to ensure that history does not repeat itself.
Despite the disappointment, there were positives to take from Dortmund’s attacking display. The team has now scored at least three goals in each of their last six Bundesliga matches, a testament to their firepower and fluidity in the final third. The combination of Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi offers pace, movement, and clinical finishing, while Jobe Bellingham continues to grow into his role as a dynamic midfield presence. Bellingham’s ability to link play and support the attack will be crucial against Union Berlin’s compact defensive structure. Kovac will also be buoyed by his side’s recent form in domestic competitions. A 1-0 win over Rot-Weiss Essen in the DFB-Pokal on August 18 extended Dortmund’s unbeaten run in domestic matches to ten, with eight victories during that stretch. That kind of consistency, especially at home, will be vital as they look to reassert themselves in the league.
Signal Iduna Park has long been a fortress for Dortmund, and Sunday’s clash will be their first home fixture of the new season. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with the famous Yellow Wall roaring their team on in pursuit of a sixth consecutive home win. Historically, Dortmund have enjoyed the upper hand against Union Berlin, winning eight of their 12 Bundesliga meetings. Notably, there has never been a draw between the two sides in league play, suggesting that fans can expect a decisive outcome. Union have managed four victories in those encounters, but their record at Signal Iduna Park is less encouraging. The Berliners will need to summon all their resilience and tactical discipline to avoid defeat and potentially match their club record of six consecutive away games without losing in the Bundesliga—a feat last achieved in 2022.
Union Berlin arrive in Dortmund with cautious optimism. Their 2-1 win over Stuttgart last weekend was efficient if not spectacular. Scoring with both of their shots on target, Union made the most of limited opportunities, registering an xG of just 0.34 and failing to create a single big chance. It was a performance that highlighted their pragmatic approach under head coach Steffen Baumgart, who has instilled a sense of grit and organization in his squad. Baumgart’s tenure has been marked by steady progress, and his side ended the 2024–25 season strongly, scoring nine goals in their final five fixtures. That attacking productivity has carried over into the new campaign, and their 5-0 rout of FC Gutersloh in the first round of the DFB-Pokal earlier this month further demonstrated their ability to capitalize on defensive lapses.
However, Union’s early-season form has not been without its challenges. While they have only lost once in their last eight competitive matches, four of those games ended in draws, suggesting a tendency to struggle in breaking down stubborn defenses. Baumgart will be keen to avoid another stalemate, especially against a Dortmund side that, despite its defensive issues, remains one of the most potent attacking forces in the league. Union’s away record has been solid, and avoiding defeat on Sunday would equal their longest unbeaten run on the road in Bundesliga history. But doing so at Signal Iduna Park, against a Dortmund team eager to make amends, will require a disciplined and courageous performance.
In terms of personnel, both sides are dealing with significant absences. Dortmund’s defensive crisis is particularly acute. Filippo Mane’s red card against St Pauli adds to an already depleted backline, with Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Niklas Süle all sidelined due to injury. Kovac may be forced to deploy Julian Ryerson—a natural full-back—in a makeshift three-man defense, a risky proposition against Union’s physical and direct style of play. The midfield duo of Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Groß will be tasked with shielding the backline and maintaining control in central areas. Their ability to break up play and initiate transitions will be vital, especially if Dortmund are to avoid being caught out on the counterattack.
Offensively, Dortmund will rely heavily on the creativity and movement of Bellingham, Guirassy, and Adeyemi. Guirassy’s physical presence and ability to hold up the ball can create space for Adeyemi’s darting runs, while Bellingham’s vision and composure offer a link between midfield and attack. The trio has the potential to overwhelm Union’s defense, but they will need to be clinical and composed, particularly in the final third. Kovac may also look to his bench for inspiration, with young talents and experienced campaigners available to change the game if needed.
Union Berlin are also navigating injury concerns. Defender Andrik Markgraf is not expected to return until mid-September, which could see Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Tom Rothe form the defensive core. Rothe, a former Dortmund player, will be eager to impress against his old club, and his familiarity with the surroundings could be an asset. In midfield, Lucas Tousart remains a doubt, but Baumgart has options. If Tousart is unavailable, András Schäfer, Rani Khedira, and Janik Haberer are likely to feature, offering a blend of energy, experience, and tactical awareness. The midfield battle will be crucial, and Union’s ability to disrupt Dortmund’s rhythm could determine the outcome.
Up front, Union may turn to Andrej Ilic and Ilyas Ansah, especially with Livan Burcu ruled out due to an ankle injury. Ilic’s aerial prowess and Ansah’s pace offer contrasting threats, and Baumgart may look to exploit Dortmund’s weakened defense with direct balls and quick transitions. The visitors are unlikely to dominate possession, but they have shown an ability to be clinical with limited chances—a trait that could prove decisive if Dortmund fail to tighten up at the back.
Tactically, the match presents an intriguing clash of philosophies. Dortmund, under Kovac, are expected to play on the front foot, pressing high and looking to control possession. Their attacking patterns are fluid, and they will aim to stretch Union’s defense with width and movement. Union, by contrast, will likely adopt a more conservative approach, sitting deep and looking to hit on the break. Baumgart’s side is well-drilled and capable of absorbing pressure, but they must remain alert to Dortmund’s quick passing and off-the-ball runs.
Set pieces could also play a pivotal role. Both teams have aerial threats and well-rehearsed routines, and with defensive vulnerabilities on both sides, dead-ball situations may offer a route to goal. Discipline will be key—Dortmund cannot afford another late collapse, and Union must avoid giving away cheap fouls in dangerous areas.
Beyond tactics and team news, the emotional stakes are high. For Dortmund, this match is about redemption and momentum. A win would not only lift them up the table but also restore confidence and belief in Kovac’s project. The fans at Signal Iduna Park will demand a response, and the players will feel the weight of expectation. For Union Berlin, it’s an opportunity to make a statement. A positive result away to one of the league’s giants would reinforce their credentials and provide a platform for further success.
As Sunday approaches, anticipation builds. The narratives are rich, the stakes are high, and the stage is set for a compelling Bundesliga showdown. Dortmund will look to attack, Union will look to resist, and both sides will leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of victory. Whether it ends in triumph or frustration, the match will offer insight into the ambitions, strengths, and vulnerabilities of two clubs with contrasting paths but shared determination.
