Union Berlin vs Heidenheim

As the Bundesliga season nears its dramatic conclusion, Heidenheim face a crucial test in their battle to avoid relegation when they travel to the capital to take on Union Berlin at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei on Saturday. For the visitors, securing a positive result is imperative if they are to maintain their grip on the relegation playoff spot, the last remaining hope for survival in Germany’s top flight. On the other hand, Union Berlin, riding an impressive seven-match unbeaten streak, will be eager to extend their run and finish the campaign on a high note, despite having already secured their Bundesliga status for next season.

Union Berlin’s resurgence under head coach Steffen Baumgart has been one of the defining stories of the second half of the season. Since mid-March, Die Eisernen have gone unbeaten in eight matches, collecting three wins and five draws—a remarkable turnaround that has not only steered them clear of relegation danger but also positioned them as one of the league’s most in-form sides outside the European qualification places. Their most recent outing saw them produce a spirited comeback against Werder Bremen, clawing back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw. While the result extended their winless run to four matches, Baumgart will take immense pride in his team’s resilience, a trait that has defined their recent performances.

Currently sitting in 13th place with 37 points, Union Berlin are comfortably clear of the relegation scrap, boasting an 11-point cushion over Heidenheim. However, given their strong form, Baumgart’s men will be eager to finish the season strongly, potentially climbing as high as 12th with a victory this weekend. A win would see them overtake Wolfsburg, while a defeat could open the door for St. Pauli to close the gap to just three points heading into the final matchday.

One of Union Berlin’s key strengths in recent weeks has been their home form. Since a narrow 1-0 defeat to Holstein Kiel on March 2, they have remained unbeaten at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei. However, their record in front of their own supporters has been far from flawless, with just one win in their last four home matches. This inconsistency could prove pivotal against a Heidenheim side fighting for their survival, as the visitors arrive with renewed confidence following an upturn in form.

Heidenheim, managed by Frank Schmidt, have endured a turbulent season but have shown signs of life at just the right moment. After suffering three consecutive defeats in April, they have steadied the ship with four points from their last two matches—a vital resurgence as the relegation battle intensifies. Their most recent outing saw them grind out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against bottom-placed VfL Bochum, a result that, while not ideal, at least prevented further damage to their survival hopes. Schmidt will, however, rue his side’s inability to capitalize against the league’s weakest team, knowing that a win would have given them a much healthier buffer over their rivals.

As things stand, Heidenheim occupy 16th place—the relegation playoff spot—holding a slender one-point advantage over Holstein Kiel, who reignited their own survival bid with a 3-1 victory over Augsburg last weekend. With just two matches remaining, every point is precious, and Heidenheim’s fate could hinge on their ability to replicate their impressive away form. Surprisingly, Schmidt’s men have been far more effective on the road than at home, losing just once in their last six away fixtures while securing three wins and two draws. This resilience away from home will be crucial as they prepare for a daunting trip to Berlin, knowing that even a draw could prove invaluable in their quest for survival.

For Heidenheim, the equation is simple: a victory would guarantee their place in the relegation playoff, ensuring at least one more chance to retain their Bundesliga status. However, anything less could see them slip into the automatic relegation zone, depending on results elsewhere, setting up a nerve-wracking final-day showdown against Werder Bremen.

The stakes could not be higher as these two sides prepare to clash in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. Union Berlin, playing with the freedom of a team already safe, will look to continue their strong finish to the season, while Heidenheim will throw everything into their efforts to keep their survival hopes alive. With tension, drama, and high emotions guaranteed, this match could prove decisive in shaping the final standings of the 2024-25 Bundesliga season.