The 2022-23 season has been a dream for Union Berlin. The Irons are second in the Bundesliga and are in a title race domestically.
On the European stage, Union Berlin can qualify for the Europa League last 16 proper. However, for the Irons to reach the last 16, they must overcome Ajax in the Europa League knockout round playoffs.
Braga at home. 27/10/2022... Amsterdam's coming... pic.twitter.com/ZwAZnF7YnK— 1. FC Union Berlin (English) (@fcunion_en) February 13, 2023
Braga at home. 27/10/2022... Amsterdam's coming... pic.twitter.com/ZwAZnF7YnK
Union finished second in Group D, just one point behind Belgium’s Union St Gilloise. A lack of goals scored, just four, left Union Berlin in second place and they will now face Ajax in a two-legged playoff.
Ajax finished third in their Champions League group. The Dutch club faced Liverpool, Napoli, and Rangers in Group A. Ajax amassed a mere six points thanks to two wins over Rangers.
Along with a poor performance in the Champions League, Ajax are chasing current Eredivisie leader Feyenoord for the league title. The team’s lack of wins this season cost manager Alfred Schreuder his job on January 26.
Former Ajax player and Dutch international John Heitinga was appointed as interim coach and on February 2, he was made the full-time manager. Since taking the reins of the team, Heitinga has won four straight games in all competitions.
Schreuder hadn’t performed badly but by Ajax’s high standards, he had to go due to a lack of wins. Ajax look stronger heading into the game with Union thanks to four straight victories. Three of those games saw Ajax score three or more goals.
Union Berlin are on a six-game win streak in all competitions. Urs Fischers team went to Leipzig and defeat RB Leipzig 2-1 at the weekend coming from a goal down at halftime.
The Irons’ last three games all finished with over 2.5 goals. This is a team that couldn‘t score in the Europa League group stage but could defend. Only two goals were conceded by Union in the group stage.
Heitinga could be without three players for Union’s arrival at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Steve Bergwijn could miss the game due to a lack of fitness. Midfielder Youri Baas and defender Ahmetcan Kaplan are both doubts due to their respective injuries.
Fischer could be without the services of Jakob Busk due to an illness. Forward Andras Schafer is a major doubt following a foot injury.
Union Berlin are showing they can hang with the big boys in the Bundesliga and Europe. The Irons should get a score draw versus Ajax with the game finishing 2-2 at full-time.