Bayern are in the capital this Saturday as they visit Union Berlin for Matchday 26 in the Bundesliga (kick-off at 3.30pm CET, live coverage on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app with our text commentary and free web radio). In the final fixture before the March international break, the Bavarians are out to chalk up their 20th win of the season and move a step closer to regaining the Bundesliga title. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our preview.
Check out the photos from final training on Friday:
Latest news from Bayern
Bayern produced an impressive reaction to last Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Bochum by winning 2-0 away at Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday’s Champions League round of 16 second leg to ensure a 5-0 aggregate victory and progress to the quarter-finals. The team now have to carry that momentum into this weekend’s fixture at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei.
“There are no easy games. We have to win – that’s how we’re approaching the game. Our demand is for a complete performance and three points,” Vincent Kompany stated at Friday’s pre-match press conference. Despite the slip against Bochum, Bayern still have an eight-point advantage over Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga table with nine games to go. FCB’s record against Union is also promising, given they have never lost in 11 Bundesliga meetings to date (eight wins, three draws).
Read more from Kompany and Max Eberl at Friday’s press conference:
Opponent: Union Berlin
The Berliners managed to claim a vital three points of their own last weekend, winning 2-1 away at Eintracht Frankfurt. The capital club had lost their previous three games to drop precariously close to the relegation zone. The gap to the play-off spot in 16th is currently six points for coach Steffen Baumgart, who won’t be on the touchline on Saturday as he serves a suspension for accumulation of yellow cards.
“They’re a team who live for special moments. They go direct to their strikers or midfielders, who go for the second balls, cross early and shoot early. It’s those little moments of chaos that they can create, especially at home. They have a mix of compact defending but can also press you,” Kompany explained of the opposition.
Read up on the pre-match facts:
Team news
Bayern make the trip to Berlin without Manuel Neuer (calf), Aleksandar Pavlovic (ill), Joao Palhinha (suspended) and also Minjae Kim, who’s struggling with an Achilles tendon problem.
Union are missing Aljoscha Kemlein and Robert Skov (both foot).
What the coaches say
„We know about their qualities and need our best performance. Then we want to bring the three points back to Munich.”
Vincent Kompany
„Bayern are always a challenge. They’re one of the best teams in Europe. We need a defensive structure and obviously want to look for our chances up front. I look forward to games like these.”
Steffen Baumgart (Union Berlin)
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