Global Player Union

To date, the usual suspect in red and white has been FC Bayern. Since a troop from Köpenick stirred up Madrid in a crescendo, shouting 'Eiserne Union'. In 2008, they built their home stadium with their fans and their own hands. With the same willpower, the club has now achieved promotion to the Champions League. Only four years earlier, the club was promoted to the first division. This inspiring success story has not only captivated the hearts of their loyal fans but has also gained recognition on a national and international level. The team's remarkable journey from the lower divisions to the prestigious Champions League is a testament to their determination and hard work. Union Berlin's rise in German football has undoubtedly made them a force to be reckoned with, challenging the dominance of traditional powerhouses like FC Bayern.

In the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, it quickly became clear who was the loudest. Until Jude Bellingham's 1:0, there was very little noise from the Real side. Under the chanting of their own fans, Urs Fischer's team was able to stand up to the favourite. This was not least due to the newcomer 'Betonucci'. A wordplay of Beton, German for concrete, and Bonucci, which makes clear: 'There's no way through here'. It went quite well until the 94th minute, when Jude Bellingham, after shooting from a distance, managed to get the rebounding ball behind the line. So the football world is not yet unhinged. But who knows what is yet to come? The group stage has only just begun.

References

“Liveticker | Real Madrid - 1. FC Union Berlin 1:0 | Vorrunde, 1. Spieltag | Champions League 2023/24 - kicker.” Kicker, 19 September 2023, https://www.kicker.de/real-madrid-gegen-union-2023-champions-league-4890273/ticker. Accessed 5 October 2023.