The Bundesliga is undergoing a sea change this season, with FC Union Berlin challenging Bayern Munich for the title. Die Eisernen, as they are affectionately known, have been punching well above their weight since the season’s restart, and with 13 games to go, they are neck-and-neck with Germany’s most successful club.
Established in 1906 and currently based in the East Berlin district of Köpenick, Union Berlin have come a long way in its footballing journey. Although they have experienced minor successes in their lower league days, the club has had to overcome numerous financial and structural obstacles to reach the Bundesliga. In fact, in 2004, the club was saved from insolvency by a blood drive organized by their loyal supporters.
The following season, Union Berlin was relegated to the third tier of German football and then further down to the fourth tier one season later. Undeterred, the club earned a promotion to the 2. Bundesliga in 2008 and, after ten seasons in the second division, earned another upgrade to the top flight in 2019. Since their dream debut in the Bundesliga, Union Berlin has consistently improved and has made their presence felt in both the Bundesliga and European competitions.
They have finished 11th, seventh, and fifth place in the league, respectively, with the current season looking to be their best. Their current campaign has been bolstered by the club’s success in the UEFA Europa League, where they have eliminated perennial powerhouse Ajax in the first knockout round. They are also in the quarterfinals of the DFB-Pokal and will face 2018 champions Eintracht Frankfurt on April 4.
What has been most impressive about Union Berlin’s current campaign is their refusal to be intimidated by Bayern Munich. Die Eisernen has consistently matched the Bavarians on the pitch, and with 13 games to go, neither side has an advantage.
If Union Berlin can continue their form and maintain their challenge for the Bundesliga title, it would be a historic achievement for the club. It would be the first time East Berlin’s people have seen top-flight football, but it would also be a considerable blow to Bayern Munich’s hegemony in the German game. It would be fitting that the club that once chanted for the tearing down of the Berlin Wall during free kicks would be the one to knock Bayern Munich off their seemingly impenetrable throne.
This season’s Bundesliga title race is yet to be decided, but one thing is sure: 1. FC Union Berlin has already made history. Their journey speaks volumes of their resilience and never-say-die attitude, which could yet be the key to overcoming Germany’s biggest club and making the impossible possible.