In an attempt to end their five-game losing streak in all competitions, Union Berlin will face Braga in their Champions League group-stage campaign on Tuesday night.
After suffering a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in their first Group C game, Union Berlin will be keen to secure a victory against Braga.
Match Preview
Union Berlin’s debut in the Champions League ended with a heartbreaking loss to Real Madrid, courtesy of a last-gasp winner by Jude Bellingham.
Finishing fourth in the Bundesliga and entering the competition for the first time in their history was an achievement for the team.
However, their recent form, with five consecutive losses, is a major concern going into this match.
The team currently sits in 11th place in the Bundesliga table with only six points after a 1-0 defeat to Heidenheim.
Considering the strength of Real Madrid and Napoli, Union Berlin recognizes the importance of winning both matches against Braga to have a chance of advancing to the next round.
Interestingly, Union Berlin faced Braga in last season’s Europa League group stage, and both teams recorded 1-0 home victories.
Braga, on the other hand, had a close encounter in their opening Group C match against Napoli.
Bruma’s 84th-minute equalizer seemed to secure a valuable point, but an unfortunate own goal resulted in a 2-1 victory for Napoli.
Currently sitting third in the group without any points, Braga will be determined to bounce back against Union Berlin.
Coming off a 4-2 triumph over Estrela in their domestic league, Braga sits fifth in the Primeira Liga table with 13 points from seven matches.
Their last appearance in the Champions League group stage was in the 2012-13 season, finishing fourth in a group that included Manchester United.
With their recent struggles in European competitions, it will be challenging for Braga to advance, but their performance against Napoli has given them confidence.
Team News:
Union Berlin will be missing four key players – Robin Knoche, Laurenz Dehl, Andras Schafer, and Rani Khedira – due to injuries.
Kevin Behrens, who has been their top scorer this season with four goals, will lead the attack.
Head coach Urs Fischer is expected to make changes to the lineup, reintroducing Aissa Laidouni and Josip Juranovic.
Braga has a nearly fully-fit squad, with the exception of Victor Gomez, who suffered an injury during their recent league game.
Alvaro Djalo, the team’s leading goalscorer with six goals, and Bruma, with five goals this season, are expected to feature in the starting lineup.
Ricardo Horta, who has also scored five goals, will play as the attacking midfielder behind Abel Ruiz.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Union Berlin:
Ronnow;
Doekhi, Bonucci, Leite;
Juranovic, Kral, Tousart, Laidouni, Gosens;
Becker, Behrens
Braga:
Matheus;
Oliveira, Fonte, Niakate, Borja;
Carvalho, Al Musrati;
Djalo, Horta, Bruma;
Ruiz
Prediction:
Considering Union Berlin’s poor form, it is difficult to back them for a victory.
Braga, with their quality in the final third, are likely to claim all three points.
- Our prediction: Union Berlin 1-2 Braga.
