Borussia Dortmund are preparing for a potentially challenging encounter against Union Berlin at Signal Iduna Park, with coach Niko Kovac cautioning against complacency despite their commanding 6-0 victory over the same opponents last season. That match, fueled by a four-goal masterclass from Serhou Guirassy, remains a stark reminder of Dortmund's capabilities, but Kovac insists Sunday's game will present a vastly different dynamic.
Dortmund's historical dominance at home against Union Berlin is undeniable. They've won all six of their previous Bundesliga home matches against the capital club, a record they'll be keen to maintain. However, their stuttering start to the 2025-26 campaign – a 3-3 draw against St. Pauli after relinquishing a 3-1 lead – has tempered expectations and injected a dose of realism into the squad.
“It will be a completely different game,” Kovac stated firmly during Friday's pre-match press conference. “We, of course, want to win our first home game, but it certainly won’t be easy. They will certainly play a very physical game, so we will have to hold our own. On a footballing level, we scored three wonderful goals in Hamburg, even if we didn’t play our best match, but we will have to hold our own physically.”
Union Berlin's strong start to the season, a 2-1 home win over Stuttgart propelled by a debut brace from Ilyas Ansah, underscores their potential to cause an upset. Ansah's instant impact highlights the danger they pose in attack, injecting pace and unpredictability into their forward line.
Adding intrigue to the match is Dortmund's recent activity in the transfer market. The club has secured the services of Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka for a reported €20 million (£17m) and Wolves striker Fabio Silva for €25 million (£21m). Silva, fresh off a successful loan spell with Las Palmas in LaLiga, is eager to make an immediate impact.
“I think I like being different, and the fans can expect me to fight for the club,” Silva said, expressing his determination to integrate quickly into the squad. “Of course, it’s important for a striker to score goals and provide assists, but I think I’m a player who can give the team more and be a part of everything. With my runs, my movement, my tackles – I think that at this stage of my career, I feel like a very complete player. I can be ready for whatever the coach needs. I’m really excited and want to be with the team and be as successful as possible.”
Players to Watch:
Borussia Dortmund – Serhou Guirassy: Guirassy is in sensational form, having scored in six consecutive Bundesliga appearances, equaling his previous best run. He has the chance to make it seven in a row for the first time and will be looking to repeat his four-goal haul from the last time these two teams met.
Union Berlin – Ilyas Ansah: The young debutant made an instant impact, scoring twice against Stuttgart. His pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat.
Match Prediction: Borussia Dortmund Win
Despite Union Berlin's improved form, Dortmund's home advantage and historical dominance in this fixture make them favorites. While Dortmund stumbled in their opening game, they are a formidable force at Signal Iduna Park. Union Berlin have struggled historically against Dortmund, failing to secure a single point in their previous visits.
Dortmund's recent form is impressive, remaining unbeaten in nine Bundesliga games, winning seven and drawing two. They've also been solid at home, winning their last four matches while keeping clean sheets in the last two. However, Union's resilience cannot be underestimated, as they are undefeated in their last five opening games of the season.
Opta Win Probability:
Borussia Dortmund – 64.9%
Union Berlin – 16.2%
Draw – 18.8%
