To round off Bundesliga Matchday 22, FC Bayern welcome 1. FC Union Berlin to the Allianz Arena on Sunday evening in a top of the table clash (from 17:30 CET in our live text updates and free web radio on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app). As usual, find out in the preview how the champions from Munich have prepared for the match with the high-flying team from Berlin.
The best photos from Saturday's final pre-match training session:
The situation for Bayern
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann is aware that a landmark encounter awaits Bayern against Union on Sunday: "It's about leading the table and keeping a rival at bay," declared the 35-year-old in Friday's press conference. After the defeat at Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-2) last matchday, the Munich team lost their points cushion at the top of the table. As well as Union, Dortmund also went into the weekend level on points with Bayern but with a much worse goal difference (+17) than FCB (+40). However, BVB increased the pressure on Saturday when they won in Hoffenheim by the only goal of the game.
It means the table before kick-off on Sunday shows Dortmund in top spot, with Bayern and Union three points behind in second and thid. As a result, the Bavarians cannot afford to drop points against the Irons (goal difference +11) if they want to recover first place. "It will be an exciting and interesting game, hopefully with the better outcome for us," continued Nagelsmann. The head coach was happy his team had a full week to prepare for the match after a tight programme in February: "The boys trained very well and with a lot of commitment." He said the team had been encouraged to "want to win and hate losing" and had thus been well prepared for the important home match: "If we go into the game with this enthusiasm and commitment, it's likely we'll be successful, irrespective of the tactical elements," Nagelsmann said confidently.
Julian Nagelsmann's most important statements from the press conference:
Opponents 1. FC Union Berlin
It could have been a different encounter at the Allianz Arena if Union had fulfilled a supposedly easier task at the end of last week. But against bottom club Schalke 04, of all teams, the East Berlin side could only manage a goalless draw after five league victories in a row. Although the team from the capital have established themselves in the Bundesliga top flight, they still seem to feel more comfortable in the underdog role. While Union have only managed one win in seven encounters against a team at the bottom of the table (four draws, two defeats), they have taken points in five of nine encounters against a league leader, including two victories.
"The madness continues," marvelled Union coach Urs Fischer on Thursday evening, after he and his men achieved the next big coup by reaching the last 16 of the Europa League against Dutch record champions Ajax. In the meantime, reaching Europe again has been declared the new goal for the capital club - thanks to by far the best season of their still short spell in the Bundesliga (43 points after 21 games). The previous goal for the season of staying in the league has mathematically already been achieved.
The facts about the duel with the Irons:
Team news
For the home match against Union Berlin, Bayern are without Dayot Upamecano, who is serving a one-match suspension, but Kingsley Coman will return to the squad after a spell on the sidelines. Long-term injury casualties Lucas Hernández and Manuel Neuer are still unavailable. Sadio Mané's comeback is getting closer. He is a "candidate for the squad, but not the starting lineup, the period of absence was too long for that," confirmed Nagelsmann. However, the Senegalese is "an alternative we're very happy about." Like Mané, Noussair Mazraoui also returned to team training during the week, but according to the head coach, Sunday's match is "still too early" for the Moroccan.
The visitors from Berlin can continue to draw on a full complement of players. Apart from András Schäfer, who has an injured foot, all players are available for FCU coach Fischer.
What the coaches said
Union had an exhausting game in the Europa League, but they're used to playing midweek games and have a big squad. Union always let their football do the talking: they defend deep, they play on the counter-attack and always win the second balls with their physicality. It's hard to play them because you don't get much space. We can't make any mistakes in possession and allow their speed to give them the advantage. It will certainly be an exciting and interesting game, hopefully with the better outcome for us.
Julian Nagelsmann
FC Bayern are one of Europe's top teams. They have a lot of different players in their ranks who can decide games on their own. Their game is based on possession, but in recent games they have also played long balls. They try to lure the opponent and get into space as a result. With their individual quality, they're very good at escaping pressure situations. It will be a very difficult task for us.
Urs Fischer (Coach, 1. FC Union Berlin)
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