1. FC Union Faces Real Madrid in Historic Champions League Clash
6:15 p.m: Toni Kroos is notably absent from the Real Madrid lineup, sitting on the bench. For Union, Leonardo Bonucci makes his debut, a signing aimed at games of this caliber. Lucas Tousart starts in a competitive match for the first time for the Berliners, and Sheraldo Becker is also in the starting lineup. Captain Christopher Trimmel, however, remains on the watchlist.
6:10 p.m: Here are the lineups for today’s game.
Real Madrid: Kepa – Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Praise – Chouamen – Modric, Camavinga – Bellingham – Rodrygo, Joselu.
- FC Union: Rönnow – Doekhi, Bonucci, Leite – Juranovic, Tousart, Kral, Laidouni, Gosens – Becker, Behrens.
6 p.m: The Berliners are facing some personnel challenges. To make matters worse, defensive leader Robin Knoche is out injured for today’s match. Also missing are Rani Khedira and Andras Schäfer (both sidelined due to injury) and Janik Haberer (suspended). Real will have to cope without goalkeeper Thibeau Courtois (torn cruciate ligament), and Daniel Carvajal is also unavailable due to injury.
5:30 p.m: Dinner is served. 1. FC Union is gearing up for the biggest game in the club’s history. For the first time ever, the Köpenick team will compete in the Champions League, facing none other than the biggest football club in the world – Real Madrid.
4,000 fans are permitted at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to witness the kick-off at 6:45 p.m. Many more would have loved to travel to Madrid with us. It’s the dream ticket for every Champions League newcomer, especially for their supporters. If you’re not part of the traveling squad, you can find out where to stream the game here.
More about 1. FC Union on Tagesspiegel Plus: Alberto Doblaré ahead of the duel against Real Madrid: From fan in Spain to Union’s social media manager.
- FC Union in the Champions League? For some fans, it’s an “absurd idea.” Union newcomer Brenden Aaronson in an interview: “I would like to take on a leadership role.”
In terms of sport, however, the starting position couldn’t be clearer. Real are the clear favorites, having won the Champions League more times than Union has European Cup victories (14:8). The current form also favors the Spaniards, who have won all of their first five games of the season in the Primera Division. Union, on the other hand, had a good start with two league victories but suffered two losses afterward.