Commencing in Gütersloh: Union aiming for a significant victory - Global Influence of the European Union in the International Arena
Union Berlin Dominate DFB-Pokal First Round with 5-0 Victory Over FC Gütersloh
In a thrilling match at Gütersloh's Heidewaldstadion on August 15, 2025, Union Berlin secured a decisive 5-0 victory over FC Gütersloh in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.
Key contributors to Union's impressive win included new signings Andrej Ilić and Woo-Yeong Jeong, who both found the back of the net, with Jeong scoring in injury time to seal the victory. Rani Khedira also shone, scoring two goals in the first half.
Union Berlin, who fielded a 3-4-3 formation, had several new summer signings pushing for impact, with Ilić, Jeong, Ilyas Ansah, Oliver Burke, Stanley Nsoki, and Matheo Raab all making an impact. Despite the absence of regular players Diogo Leite and Josip Juranović due to fitness issues, Union Berlin dominated the match.
FC Gütersloh, playing at home in front of a supportive sell-out crowd, were missing key players such as Kevin Hoffmeier (cruciate ligament injury) and Lennard Rolf (inflammation), with goalkeeper Jarno Peters returning to fitness for the game. Despite this home advantage and the crowd support, Gütersloh struggled—already in poor recent form, with no wins and several goalless matches leading up to this cup tie.
The outcome of the match was in line with expectations, given the disparity in squad strength and form between the two teams. Union Berlin's superior quality and new signings' contributions led to their clear progression to the second round.
Coach Stefan Baumgart expressed his enthusiasm and euphoria for the DFB-Pokal competition and the match against FC Gütersloh. He is considering the use of three strikers: Ilić, Ansah, and Burke for the DFB-Pokal match. Union Berlin's clear goal in the DFB-Pokal is to advance to the next round, and there has been some uncertainty among the players after four consecutive test match defeats.
The first competitive match of the season for Union Berlin is the DFB-Pokal match against FC Gütersloh, which will take place on a date yet to be specified in the Berlin Olympic Stadium and will be broadcast on Sky. Union Berlin will be aiming to make a strong start to their DFB-Pokal campaign and continue their impressive form from last season, where they were knocked out in the second round by Arminia Bielefeld.
Following their impressive first round victory over FC Gütersloh, Union Berlin's coach, Stefan Baumgart, is contemplating the deployment of a three-striker formation, possibly comprising Andrej Ilić, Ilyas Ansah, and Oliver Burke, for their next DFB-Pokal match. In addition to their football ambitions, Union Berlin remains committed to the development of their community, with various vocational training programs being part of the club's policy.
