On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the 1. FC Union Berlin will host SV Werder Bremen at 15:30 (3:30 PM) in a pivotal Bundesliga clash that carries significant implications for both teams. Union Berlin, having already secured their place in the league, is looking to finish the season on a high note, while Werder Bremen is aiming for qualification to international competitions, making a victory in Köpenick essential.
Union Berlin enters the match with an impressive seven-game unbeaten streak, the longest current run in the Bundesliga this season. This solid form harkens back to their remarkable stretch from April to September 2022, when they remained unbeaten for 14 matches. Under the guidance of coach Steffen Baumgart, the team has found a rhythm and will be keen to leverage their home advantage at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, where they have historically performed well against Werder Bremen, winning their last three Bundesliga home games against the Green-Whites.
On the other hand, Werder Bremen is not to be underestimated. The team boasts the third-best away record in the league, having accumulated 26 points on the road. Coach Ole Werner, who is marking his 100th Bundesliga match in charge, has seen his side win three consecutive away games, and they could achieve a club record by winning four in a row away from home for the first time in history. This impressive form includes four clean sheets in their last five matches, conceding only one goal during this stretch, which has earned them the best defensive record since the 27th matchday of the season.
However, the visitors will face challenges as they prepare for this encounter. Issa Kaboré, a key player, suffered an injury during the final training session and is expected to miss the match. Although he may not have started, his absence could impact the team’s depth. Milos Veljkovic is also sidelined due to calf problems, but the rest of the squad is available, including Romano Schmid, who trained with a bandage after a minor injury scare earlier in the week.
The starting lineup for Werder Bremen is expected to feature a strong defensive trio of Niklas Stark, Marco Friedl, and Amos Pieper, who have been instrumental in limiting goals against. The midfield is likely to see Senne Lynen, Jens Stage, and Romano Schmid working to control the game, while the forward line could see Oliver Burke, who recently transferred from Union Berlin, taking on his former team. Burke is expected to be particularly motivated to perform well against his old club, making this match even more intriguing.
As both teams prepare, set pieces could play a crucial role in the outcome. Union Berlin has capitalized on set pieces this season, scoring 53% of their goals in this manner, the highest in the league. Conversely, Werder Bremen has not relied heavily on set pieces, with only 23% of their goals coming from such situations. Both teams have demonstrated strong defensive organization, conceding the fewest goals from set pieces in the league, which adds another layer of complexity to the match.
Interestingly, while Union Berlin has struggled to find the net in the second half of games, scoring only 13 goals after halftime, Werder Bremen has been resilient, conceding just 44% of their goals in the second half, the lowest rate in the league. This could prove decisive, especially if the match remains close heading into the latter stages.
Benedict Hollerbach, Union Berlin's top scorer this season with nine goals, will be a focal point for the home side. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial, especially given the team’s recent struggles in front of goal. On the flip side, Werder Bremen has shown resilience by earning twelve points after falling behind this season, second only to Bayern Munich in that regard, which indicates their capacity to come back in tough situations.
As the match draws near, the atmosphere is expected to be electric at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, with fans eager to see their team continue its unbeaten streak. Both clubs have a lot to play for: Union Berlin aims to solidify their strong finish to the season while Werder Bremen seeks to enhance their chances of European competition.
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Bundesliga 3, with Torsten Kunde providing commentary. Fans can also catch the action via the Sky streaming service WOW TV and the Skygo app, although it will not be available on free TV. As the kickoff approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams in good form, each with their own objectives.
In the lead-up to the match, betting odds suggest a closely contested game, with predictions leaning towards a draw given the current form of both teams. While Union Berlin's home advantage is a significant factor, Werder Bremen's strong away record and overall performance cannot be overlooked. As the teams take to the pitch, fans will be watching closely to see if Union can maintain their unbeaten run or if Werder can secure a crucial victory in their quest for European qualification.
