The most unlikely club in the Champions League: “We hope it encourages others to stick with their DNA”
IMAGO | September 20 Union Berlin played Real Madrid at Bernabeu at their first ever Champions League match
On Tuesday evening, Real Madrid will visit Berlin to face this year’s most unexpected team in the Champions League. In 2019, Union Berlin competed in the second tier, and since then, the club has progressively ascended the European football ladder.
Despite a significant increase in revenue, Union Berlin plans modest investments to ensure comprehensive club development. “Our goal this season, as in the previous one, is to secure 40 points and maintain our Bundesliga status."
Why it matters: Many view Union Berlin as an anti-commercial, cult club. This perception is far from accurate, but understanding the club's DNA is key to grasping their remarkable Champions League achievement.
The perspective: Union Berlin's success may offer a glimmer of hope in the debate over competitiveness in European football. However, it could also be seen as a rare occurrence in a future where financial power increasingly dictates success.
8 December 2023 - 11:29 AM
Over the past four years, they've had a meteoric rise, culminating in a September meeting at the Bernabeu, lunching with Real Madrid.
Facing the mightiest club in Europe on their Champions League debut, Union Berlin were surprised by the Spanish delegation's comparisons to their club. The people from Union, having ascended from fourth-tier regional football in just two decades, couldn't believe the analogy.
Real Madrid, also fan-owned, talked about their fears not be
Get smarter in minutes. Straight to your inbox
21-day free trial
Activate instantly with the link we’ll send you.
