Union Berlin - Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga leaders arrive in Köpenick
1. FC Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund will meet on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with kick-off at 15:30 at Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Berlin. This sixth-round German Bundesliga fixture brings together two teams that have started the season in completely different ways. Dortmund arrive as league leaders, while Union are looking to continue their recovery after securing their first league victory against SV Elversberg.
The points gap is considerable, but the hosts have an important reason for optimism. On October 10, Union defeated Elversberg 1-0 thanks to a goal from Livan Burcu in the 81st minute, keeping a clean sheet for the first time this season. A day earlier, Dortmund had led Werder 2-0 before conceding two late goals to draw 2-2. Both teams therefore enter the match in Berlin with clear objectives: Union want to prove that their victory was no coincidence, while Borussia aim to re-establish the control that brought them to the top of the standings.
Stadion An der Alten Försterei has a capacity of 22,012 spectators, with the vast majority of places located in standing sections. This configuration creates a close connection between the crowd and the pitch, which is particularly interesting when one of the Bundesliga's leading teams comes to visit. Tickets for this match are in high demand among supporters, especially because of the stadium's limited capacity and the way tickets for Union's home matches are allocated.
Bundesliga: first place against the battle to escape the lower reaches of the table
According to the standings available on October 11, before all fifth-round matches had been completed, Borussia Dortmund occupy first place with 13 points from five games. Niko Kovač's team have recorded four victories and one draw, scoring 11 goals and conceding only four. Bayern München are immediately behind Dortmund with 11 points, making another success in Berlin important for continuing the battle at the top.
Union Berlin sit in 16th place with four points, one victory, one draw and three defeats. Their goal difference of 5:17 shows just how difficult it has been to establish a balance between attack and defence. The 0-7 defeat against Bayern stands out in particular, after which the victory over Elversberg brought some much-needed relief.
For Union, a positive result against the league leaders would mean more than simply moving up the table. It would be a sign that coach Mauro Lustrinelli is finding a more stable combination of players and a system capable of holding up against the strongest opponents. Dortmund, on the other hand, do not want to allow the draw against Werder to become the beginning of a negative run.
Union Berlin's form: a victory that changes the mood
Union's start to the league season was extremely uncomfortable. In the opening round, they drew 3-3 against Eintracht Frankfurt, with Tim Skarke scoring a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time. This was followed by a 0-4 defeat away to Bayer Leverkusen, a 1-3 loss against FC Schalke 04 and a 0-7 defeat away to Bayern München.
Against Elversberg, the picture was different. Lustrinelli made three changes to the starting line-up compared with the match in Munich. Zeno Van Den Bosch, Kastriot Imeri and Tim Skarke were given opportunities from the first minute, while Frederik Rönnow started in goal. The defence looked more organised, and Union gradually increased the pressure.
The role of the substitutes was particularly important. Burcu replaced Imeri and then scored the winning goal following a move that developed after a corner kick. For young players such as Burcu and Mekhi Gray, who also received an opportunity, the latest match was proof that they can contribute to the result at a sensitive moment.
Against Dortmund, Union are unlikely to have the same amount of time to organise their attacks. The visiting opponents have better possession play, quicker transitions and a wider selection of attacking solutions. It will therefore be important to see how well the hosts can repeat the discipline shown against Elversberg without retreating too deeply towards their own penalty area.
Borussia Dortmund: an excellent start and a warning against Werder
Borussia opened their league campaign with a 2-0 victory against Hamburger SV, before defeating TSG Hoffenheim 3-2, SC Paderborn 07 by 3-0 and VfB Stuttgart 1-0. Four consecutive victories allowed Dortmund to enter the international break in first place.
The resumption of league action against Werder also revealed another side of the team. After a goalless first half, Dortmund took the lead through Daniel Svensson in the 80th minute. Nico Schlotterbeck doubled the advantage five minutes later, but Ludovit Reis reduced the deficit in the 88th minute, and Niclas Füllkrug equalised in the second minute of stoppage time.
For Kovač, such an outcome is a serious warning. Dortmund have the quality to create opportunities even after long periods of patient play, but two late defensive mistakes demonstrated that concentration must remain at the same level until the final whistle.
The schedule will be an additional factor. Before visiting Union, Borussia have a European fixture against FK Bodø/Glimt in Norway, scheduled for October 14. The journey and another competitive match could influence the selection of the starting line-up in Berlin, particularly in positions requiring many sprints and repeated defensive recovery runs.
Union's key players: Rönnow, Schäfer, Khedira and Burcu
Frederik Rönnow will be one of the home team's most important players. He kept a clean sheet against Elversberg, while the match against Dortmund could bring a significantly greater number of demanding situations. His judgement of high balls, reactions inside the penalty area and communication with the central defenders will be important for the stability of the home defence.
In midfield, Union rely on Rani Khedira, Michel Aebischer and András Schäfer. Khedira provides protection in front of the defensive line, while Schäfer can contribute to pressing and moving the ball towards the forwards. Against Elversberg, Schäfer in particular threatened from set pieces and long-range shots.
After scoring the winning goal, Livan Burcu has a strong argument for receiving more playing time. His ability to attack spaces between the opposition's lines could be important when Dortmund push their wide players high up the pitch. Tim Skarke also deserves attention because of his speed and ability to attack the space behind the defence.
Leopold Querfeld, Felix Uduokhai, Zeno Van Den Bosch and Tom Rothe are options for the defensive line-up. Lustrinelli must decide whether to retain the structure that brought victory against Elversberg or adjust the number of players in the back line to Borussia's different attacking profile.
Dortmund's stars: Guirassy, Schlotterbeck and players between the lines
Serhou Guirassy remains the central figure in Dortmund's attack. His value is not limited to finishing moves. Against Werder, he participated in creating the opening goal, using his physical strength and movement down the right side before delivering a pass into the penalty area. Union's central defenders will also have to watch for his lay-offs towards the midfielders.
Nico Schlotterbeck brings strength in defensive duels, but also the ability to initiate attacks with quality passing. His headed goal against Werder provides an additional warning of how dangerous Dortmund can be from corners.
Daniel Svensson is important for play along the flank, while Felix Nmecha, Jobe Bellingham and Marcel Sabitzer offer different options in midfield. Ethan Nwaneri and Konstantinos Karetsas can link the midfield with the forwards. Against Werder, Karetsas delivered the corner that assisted Schlotterbeck's goal, demonstrating how much he can contribute even after coming off the bench.
Gregor Kobel in goal, together with Waldemar Anton and young Joane Gadou in defence, provides Kovač with additional security. Nevertheless, the final selection of players will also depend on the performance in Norway and the team's physical condition immediately before travelling to Berlin.
Tactical expectations: can Union stop Dortmund's width?
In the match against Elversberg, Union used a four-man defence and a strong central midfield. Against Werder, Dortmund played with three central defenders, wide players covering the entire flank and an attacking pair positioned behind Guirassy.
That difference could be decisive. If Dortmund use their wide players to push Union's full-backs backwards, the hosts will have fewer opportunities for quick transitions. At the same time, Borussia's advanced wide players leave space for counterattacks if Union manage to win the ball in midfield.
Three things will be particularly important for Union: closing the space in front of their central defenders, providing timely support to their full-backs and delivering quality set pieces. In their most recent victory, set pieces created danger in front of the opposition's goal on several occasions.
Dortmund will probably try to impose their possession game and force the hosts to defend across the width of the pitch. However, Kovač must find a balance between applying pressure and maintaining defensive cover behind the ball. Union's defeat against Bayern does not mean that the Berlin side will automatically leave so much space, especially after their significantly improved defensive performance against Elversberg.
The possible development of the match therefore depends on the first goal. An early Dortmund lead would force Union to take greater risks, while a long period without goals would increase the importance of set pieces, physical duels and substitutions.
Head-to-head meetings: Dortmund's dominance and the Berlin exception
The recent history of meetings between these teams strongly favours Borussia. Dortmund have won their last three league matches against Union without conceding a goal, including both encounters in the 2025/2026 season.
The last five league matches:
- 24.01.2026. - Union Berlin 0:3 Borussia Dortmund
- 31.08.2025. - Borussia Dortmund 3:0 Union Berlin
- 22.02.2025. - Borussia Dortmund 6:0 Union Berlin
- 05.10.2024. - Union Berlin 2:1 Borussia Dortmund
- 02.03.2024. - Union Berlin 0:2 Borussia Dortmund
The most striking result among them is Dortmund's 6-0 victory in February 2025, but Union also have experience of defeating this opponent in front of their own supporters. In October 2024, they celebrated a 2-1 victory at Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Interestingly, in previous seasons Union have occasionally managed to defeat Dortmund at home even when the visitors possessed a stronger squad in terms of individual quality. The reason is not only the support of the crowd, but also the ability to draw their opponents into battles for second balls, physical duels and set pieces. That is precisely the scenario the hosts would like to repeat.
Borussia, however, have sufficient experience of this away fixture. After their last three head-to-head meetings, in which they scored a total of 12 goals, they arrive with clear confidence, but also with the awareness that previous results do not guarantee points in advance.
Injuries and possible absences before the match
The fitness situation of both teams needs to be monitored until the final training sessions. Available injury and absence reports for Union mention Josip Juranović, Marvin Friedrich, Andrej Ilić, Stanley N'Soki and Andrik Markgraf. Some information about expected return dates is approximate, so it should not be interpreted as confirmation that all of those players will miss the match against Dortmund.
Oliver Burke provides an example of how quickly the situation can change. Although he appeared in earlier injury reports, he came off the bench against Elversberg on October 10. It would therefore not be justified to classify him as a confirmed absentee in advance.
Borussia's injury lists include Emre Can, Giannis Konstantelias, Filippo Mane and Justin Lerma. Julian Ryerson missed the match against Werder because of a rib injury. The final assessment of his availability against Union will depend on his recovery.
Schlotterbeck played against Werder after experiencing ligament problems during international duty, while Karetsas came on in the second half. These are important indicators, but they do not guarantee that all available players will receive equal playing time following the European away fixture.
Stadion An der Alten Försterei: football in stands where most spectators remain standing
Stadion An der Alten Försterei is located in Köpenick, in the southeastern part of Berlin, at An der Wuhlheide 263, 12555 Berlin. It opened on August 7, 1920, and has been modernised several times over the following decades.
Its most distinctive feature is the arrangement of spectator places. Of the total capacity of 22,012 spectators, as many as 18,395 places are designated for standing, while 3,617 are seats. As a result, spectators in large parts of the stadium watch matches standing up, very close to the pitch.
One of the most important renovation periods took place between 2008 and 2009, when more than 2,300 volunteers participated in the work. Supporters thus became genuine participants in the renovation of their stadium, rather than merely its visitors. The main stand was subsequently built during construction work in 2012 and 2013.
At Union matches, the supporters' song "Eisern Union" is an important part of the stands' identity. The collective voice of the large number of spectators in the standing sections is particularly impressive. Dortmund's visit, with their supporters also possessing a strong culture of organised support, creates an interesting contrast between the red-and-white and yellow-and-black stands.
Because of the relatively small capacity compared with the level of interest in the Bundesliga, it is worth securing tickets in good time. For this match, Union have already organised a lottery-based allocation process for home tickets among club members, with applications taking place in early October. The availability of places and entry conditions for the relevant section should be checked before planning a journey.
How to get to the stadium and what should you know before entering?
Union recommend travelling by public transport because the number of parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the stadium is very limited. Particular attention should be paid to the chosen entrance, as home and away supporters use different sections.
- Address: Stadion An der Alten Försterei, An der Wuhlheide 263, 12555 Berlin.
- Public transport: take the S-Bahn S3 line to Köpenick station, followed by an approximately 15-minute walk via Hämmerlingstraße.
- Arrival from BER Airport: take the S45 or S9 lines towards Schöneweide, then tram 60 or 67 to the Alte Försterei stop.
- Parking: parking is available in the Forum Köpenick garage at Bahnhofstraße 33-38 or at the P+R facility near Altglienicke station, continuing the journey by public transport.
- Entry: stadium gates for men's league matches generally open 120 minutes before kick-off, which would mean around 13:30 for this fixture, provided there are no organisational changes.
Away supporters are accommodated in sector 5, which is accessed via the approach along the Wuhle River from the direction of An der Wuhlheide street. Home sections are numbered from 1 to 4. Visitors should follow the sector designation on their ticket and the instructions of stadium stewards.
For visitors arriving by car, it is particularly important not to expect available parking immediately next to the stadium. Traffic before the match can be heavy, and arriving via Forum Köpenick or using a combination of parking and rail transport is often a more practical option.
Bags and backpacks larger than A4 format are not permitted inside the stadium. Facilities for storing certain items are available, but bringing as little luggage as possible is the best way to pass through security checks more quickly. A match ticket does not automatically include the right to use the city's public transport system, so an appropriate transport ticket must be obtained.
What can supporters expect in the stands?
When Union and Dortmund meet at a stadium with a high proportion of standing places, visitors should expect intense support throughout the entire match. Union supporters are known for their collective songs and the way they express the identity of the club from Köpenick, while Dortmund supporters bring their own distinctive style of backing the away team.
For visitors coming to Stadion An der Alten Försterei for the first time, the most important thing is to understand that the standing sections offer a different experience from numbered seats in large modern arenas. In certain parts of the stands, spectators remain on their feet throughout the match, singing and reacting to every move. A place should therefore be chosen according to personal habits and expectations.
The atmosphere could become even more intense if Union manage to create several early chances or threaten from set pieces. On the other hand, Dortmund supporters expect their successful season to continue and a victory that would help their team retain first place in the league.
Places in the stands are limited, and ticket allocation for this match already began during the first days of October. Visitors travelling to Berlin for the game should check the availability of suitable places before booking transport and accommodation.
Berlin and Köpenick: what to visit before an afternoon of football?
The stadium is located far from the best-known tourist attractions of central Berlin, but Köpenick has its own character. It is a historic part of the city where the Dahme and Spree rivers meet, featuring a preserved old town, waterfront promenades and green spaces.
For supporters arriving in Berlin early, Altstadt Köpenick is an interesting destination, a historic centre with squares, smaller streets and restaurants and cafés. Nearby stands Schloss Köpenick, a Baroque palace on an island surrounded by water. This part of the city offers a different picture of Berlin from the wide avenues and tourist districts in the centre of the metropolis.
Nature lovers can consider a walk through the Wuhlheide area or a visit to Lake Müggelsee, one of southeastern Berlin's most recognisable natural spaces. Nevertheless, on matchday it is important to leave enough time to return to the stadium and pass through security checks.
For those coming only for the match, the most practical plan is to arrive in Köpenick well before kick-off, take a short walk through the surrounding streets and enter the stands without rushing. This allows visitors to experience the gathering of supporters before the first whistle, rather than just the 90 minutes of football.
The schedule after the Berlin encounter
For Union, the match against Dortmund represents an opportunity to turn their second consecutive home appearance into additional points. After a difficult start to the season, the hosts need consistency, particularly in defence, because the number of goals conceded has been their biggest problem in the first five rounds.
Dortmund arrive under a different kind of pressure. Four victories and a draw have created high expectations, while a schedule that includes a European away fixture requires careful management of playing time. Kovač must maintain the team's freshness without losing quality in matches that determine their position at the top.
For Union supporters, it will be particularly interesting to see whether Livan Burcu can continue what he started against Elversberg and whether Rönnow can once again maintain defensive stability. For Dortmund, the greatest attention will be directed towards Guirassy, play in the wide positions and the defence's response after the dramatic finish against Werder.
Sources:
- DFB Datencenter (datencenter.dfb.de) - Bundesliga sixth-round schedule, results from the first five rounds and league standings.
- Bundesliga (bundesliga.com) - match reports for Union Berlin - SV Elversberg and Borussia Dortmund - Werder Bremen, team and player statistics.
- 1. FC Union Berlin (fc-union-berlin.de) - match reports against Elversberg and Eintracht Frankfurt, squad information, ticket allocation, stadium access and visitor instructions.
- Borussia Dortmund (bvb.de) - match report against Werder, information about the squad, players' fitness conditions and the upcoming European schedule.
- Kicker (kicker.de) - results of previous head-to-head meetings between Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund.
- FotMob (fotmob.com) - overview of possible absences and match preview, noting that players' fitness status may change.
- Stadion An der Alten Försterei (altefoersterei.berlin) - stadium capacity, distribution of standing and seated places and renovation history.
- visitBerlin (visitberlin.de) - historical and tourist information about Köpenick, Schloss Köpenick and the Müggelsee area.