Union Berlin vs. Borussia Monchengladbach

Borussia Monchengladbach will aim to maintain their pursuit of European football when they face Union Berlin at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei in the Bundesliga this Saturday. Union Berlin, currently 13th in the league with 24 points, are coming off an impressive 4-0 victory over Hoffenheim last weekend. Meanwhile, Monchengladbach, sitting in eighth place with 31 points, drew 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt in their most recent match on February 8. This encounter promises to be a crucial one for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the league table.

Union Berlin’s recent performance against Hoffenheim was nothing short of dominant. They created nearly three expected goals (xG), generated six big chances, and took 17 of their 22 shots from inside the penalty area. This offensive explosion marked a significant turnaround for a team that had struggled to find the back of the net in their previous seven games, scoring as many goals in that single match as they had in their prior seven outings combined. The six big chances they created against Hoffenheim accounted for 15% of their total big chances for the entire Bundesliga season so far. This resurgence in form has provided a much-needed boost to Union Berlin’s campaign, as they look to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Despite their lowly position in the league, Union Berlin are already 10 points clear of 16th-placed Heidenheim, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot. This buffer has given head coach Steffen Baumgart and his squad a sense of confidence that they can avoid demotion to the 2. Bundesliga. Their recent form has been encouraging, with two wins in their last four matches, earning seven points in that span. This is a marked improvement compared to their previous 11 games, where they managed to accumulate fewer points. While Union Berlin have only secured one victory in their last seven home matches at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, they have been relatively solid at home this season, losing just twice in their 10 home games in the 2024-25 campaign.

On the other hand, Borussia Monchengladbach will be looking to build on their recent unbeaten run in the Bundesliga. Their 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on February 8 was somewhat fortunate, as Frankfurt missed several clear opportunities near the penalty spot and hit the woodwork twice. Monchengladbach’s defensive vulnerabilities have been a recurring theme this season, with the team facing 39 expected goals (xG) against them, the second-highest in the Bundesliga. This defensive frailty has often put them under pressure, and they will need to address these issues if they are to secure a positive result against Union Berlin.

Monchengladbach’s recent form has been relatively positive, with the team undefeated in their last three Bundesliga matches, winning two of them. This run has brought them within striking distance of the top four, as they now sit just five points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig, who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot. However, their away form has been inconsistent, with just two wins in their last nine Bundesliga matches on the road. While they have managed to secure victories in two of their last four away games, they have also suffered five defeats and two draws during that period. This inconsistency will be a concern for manager Gerardo Seoane as they prepare to face Union Berlin.

The reverse fixture between these two teams earlier in the season saw Monchengladbach emerge victorious with a 1-0 win on September 28. That victory was significant for Die Fohlen, as it marked their first win against Union Berlin in nine attempts, with Union having won five of those previous encounters. Monchengladbach will be hoping to replicate that success and complete a league double over Union Berlin, which would further bolster their chances of securing a European spot.

For Union Berlin, this match represents an opportunity to continue their recent resurgence and build on their emphatic victory over Hoffenheim. Steffen Baumgart’s side will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and exploit Monchengladbach’s defensive weaknesses. The return of key players and the confidence gained from their recent performances could prove pivotal in this encounter. Union Berlin’s ability to create big chances and convert them will be crucial, as they look to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Monchengladbach, meanwhile, will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run and close the gap on the top four. Gerardo Seoane’s side will need to be more clinical in front of goal and tighten up defensively if they are to overcome a resurgent Union Berlin side. The midfield battle will be key, as both teams look to control the tempo of the game and create opportunities for their attackers. Monchengladbach’s attacking players, who have shown flashes of brilliance this season, will need to step up and deliver in what promises to be a tightly contested match.

The stakes are high for both teams as they approach this crucial Bundesliga clash. For Union Berlin, a victory would provide further momentum in their quest to move further away from the relegation zone and potentially climb into the top half of the table. For Borussia Monchengladbach, three points would keep them in the hunt for European qualification and put pressure on the teams above them. Both sides have shown glimpses of their potential this season, but consistency has been an issue for both. This match could ultimately come down to which team can capitalize on their chances and minimize their mistakes.

In summary, this Bundesliga encounter between Union Berlin and Borussia Monchengladbach is set to be a fascinating battle between two teams with contrasting objectives. Union Berlin will be looking to build on their recent success and secure their place in the top flight, while Monchengladbach will be aiming to continue their push for European football. With both teams showing signs of improvement in recent weeks, this match promises to be an exciting and closely fought contest. The outcome could have significant implications for the rest of the season, making it a must-watch for Bundesliga fans.