Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund

The Bundesliga’s "Topspiel" of the week takes place today, Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Union Berlin hosts Borussia Dortmund at the cauldron-like Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET).

This is a clash of two teams looking to solidify their positions after a busy winter. Borussia Dortmund enters in 2nd place (39 points), leading the hunt to catch league leaders Bayern Munich, despite a midweek European setback. Union Berlin has enjoyed a steady climb under Steffen Baumgart, currently sitting in 9th place (24 points) and riding a five-match unbeaten streak.

Match Information

Union Berlin: The "Baumgart" Bounce

Since taking the reins in early 2025, Steffen Baumgart has restored the defensive grit and set-piece efficiency that defines the Eisernen. Union is currently the league’s "stalemate specialists," having drawn their last three matches, but they remain extremely difficult to break down at home.

Team News and Selection:

• Suspensions: Derrick Köhn is unavailable after a recent red card.

• Injury List: The hosts are missing Tim Skarke, Robert Skov, Tom Rothe, and Dmytro Bogdanov, all sidelined with muscle injuries. Rani Khedira is also a major doubt due to illness.

• Super Sub Factor: Interestingly, every one of Union’s goals in 2026 so far has been scored by a substitute. Keep an eye on Ilyas Ansah if he starts on the bench.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Rönnow; Querfeld, Doekhi, Leite; Juranović, Kemlein, Schäfer, Haberer; Woo-Yeong, Burcu; Ilic.

Borussia Dortmund: The Response

Niko Kovač faces a test of character today. His BVB side suffered a frustrating 2–0 defeat to Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday, but their domestic form remains lethal. Dortmund has averaged at least three goals per game in the Bundesliga this calendar year, led by a revitalized attacking unit.

Team News and Selection:

• Lone Absentee: Marcel Sabitzer is the only confirmed absentee with a calf injury.

• Suspension Tightrope: Three key defenders—Julian Ryerson, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Yan Couto—are all one yellow card away from a suspension.

• Tactical Rotation: After the midweek trip to London, Kovač is expected to rotate, potentially bringing Waldemar Anton and Jobe Bellingham back into the starting fold.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Süle, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Can, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Fabio Silva.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• The "Wuhlheide" Fortress: While Dortmund has won 9 of their 15 total meetings, they have struggled significantly in Berlin, losing four of their six visits to the Alten Försterei.

• Set-Piece Danger: 37% of Union’s goals this season have come from set-pieces, the second-highest percentage in the division.

• Defensive Discipline: Dortmund has kept clean sheets in 50% of their last 10 games, whereas Union has kept only one clean sheet in their last eight.

• Reverse Fixture: BVB dominated the earlier season meeting at Signal Iduna Park, winning 3–0 in August.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Niko Kovač has been vocal about the "intensity" required to win at Union, noting that his team must "go toe-to-toe" physically before they can start playing football. Dortmund will likely enjoy the lion's share of possession, but they must be wary of Union's aerial threat, particularly from Danilho Doekhi during corners.

Union will look to stay compact and frustrate Dortmund, relying on the pace of Jeong Woo-Yeong on the counter. However, Dortmund’s depth—especially with Julian Brandt in career-best creative form—should eventually pick the lock of the Berlin defense.

Final Score Prediction: Union Berlin 1–2 Borussia Dortmund