Union Berlin - SV Elversberg: Hosts seek their first win, newcomers aim to keep surprising
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 15:30, Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Berlin will host the Matchday 5 German Bundesliga fixture between 1. FC Union Berlin and SV Elversberg. The match presents an unusual balance of power: the Berlin club, which entered the season with ambitions of returning to the upper half of the table, finds itself in the relegation zone, while the newcomers from Saarland are among the championship's top seven teams after four matchdays.
Union Berlin are searching for their first league victory in front of their supporters. Mauro Lustrinelli's team have collected just one point, while the 17 goals conceded are particularly concerning. Elversberg, competing in the Bundesliga for the first time, have already defeated Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, demonstrating that they have no intention of settling for the role of outsiders.
For supporters, this is an opportunity to witness the first-ever meeting between clubs that entered the new season with completely different expectations. The hosts will attempt to end their negative run, while the visitors will seek to confirm that their successful start is no coincidence. Tickets for this encounter are particularly appealing to German football enthusiasts who want to experience a match at a stadium renowned for its large proportion of standing terraces.
League standings: six points separate teams in completely different moods
After four matches, Union Berlin occupy 17th place in the Bundesliga with one point, no victories and a goal difference of 4:17. Only Borussia Mönchengladbach have a worse points record, having lost all four of their league matches.
SV Elversberg sit seventh with seven points and a goal difference of 8:7. Vincent Wagner's team have recorded two victories, one draw and one defeat. They are level on points with fourth-placed FC Augsburg, illustrating just how impressive their introduction to their first Bundesliga season has been.
1. FC Union Berlin's results in the opening four matchdays:
- 1. FC Union Berlin - Eintracht Frankfurt 3:3
- Bayer Leverkusen - 1. FC Union Berlin 4:0
- 1. FC Union Berlin - FC Schalke 04 1:3
- FC Bayern München - 1. FC Union Berlin 7:0
The most recent result was particularly painful. The defeat against Bayern in Munich exposed serious difficulties in defensive organisation, as well as problems playing out under opposition pressure. Union have conceded as many as 11 goals in two league away matches without scoring a single one.
For the hosts, therefore, the encounter against Elversberg carries greater significance than an ordinary match in the early stages of the championship. Victory would bring much-needed points while also reducing the pressure on the coach and players ahead of their next demanding fixtures.
Elversberg, on the other hand, arrive in Berlin without the same burden of results. Seven points represent an excellent start for newcomers whose main long-term objective is to remain in the Bundesliga. Another victory would further consolidate their position in mid-table.
Union Berlin: Mauro Lustrinelli seeks answers after a difficult start
Mauro Lustrinelli took charge of Union Berlin in the summer of 2026 following a successful spell at Swiss club FC Thun, with whom he won the championship. His arrival was intended to mark the beginning of a change in the Berlin team's footballing identity.
During previous seasons, Union had frequently relied on solid defending, set pieces and direct football. Lustrinelli announced a more dynamic approach, greater attacking initiative and more intense pressure on opposing defences.
However, the beginning of the championship has demonstrated how difficult it is to implement tactical changes without losing stability. The team have conceded an average of more than four goals per match across four fixtures. Their problems were particularly evident against Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern, when Union failed to establish a balance between attack and defence.
Against Elversberg, Lustrinelli must therefore find a compromise between his attacking philosophy and the need for his team to finally end their run of conceding preventable goals.
One of the key figures in that task will be Rani Khedira. The experienced midfielder plays an important role in closing down space in front of the defensive line, organising pressing and maintaining the distances between different sections of the team.
Captain Christopher Trimmel remains an important authority in the dressing room, while Lustrinelli continues using matches to identify a reliable combination of players capable of meeting the demands of the new system.
Emmanuel Latte Lath and the hosts' attacking options
One of Union's biggest summer signings is Emmanuel Latte Lath. The striker from Ivory Coast arrived on loan from Atlanta United and is expected to provide pace, movement behind the defensive line and effectiveness in front of the opposition goal.
Latte Lath scored one goal in his first four league appearances. With Union having scored just four league goals, his ability to convert chances into goals could prove extremely important.
Kastriot Imeri, the Swiss attacking midfielder who arrived from BSC Young Boys in September, brings technical quality and the ability to connect midfield with the forwards. His familiarity with Lustrinelli's ideas from their previous collaboration could accelerate his adaptation.
Woo-yeong Jeong, Tom Rothe and Josip Juranović could play important roles on the flanks and in the final third. Their involvement in attacking moves could help the hosts create more opportunities, but it also requires adequate protection of the space behind them.
If Union start aggressively from the first minute, it will be particularly important not to allow the visitors to launch rapid counterattacks. This is precisely one of the areas in which Elversberg have proved dangerous.
SV Elversberg: Bundesliga debutants who have already beaten two established clubs
SV Elversberg are competing in the top tier of German football for the first time in their history. The Saarland club secured promotion by finishing second in the 2. Bundesliga in the 2025/2026 season, following several years of continuous progress.
Under Vincent Wagner, Elversberg continue to pursue an approach based on developing young players, organised possession and courage in attacking football.
The results of the opening league fixtures confirm that the team have not changed their identity because of the move to a stronger competition.
SV Elversberg's results in the opening four matchdays:
- SV Elversberg - Bayer Leverkusen 3:2
- Borussia Mönchengladbach - SV Elversberg 3:4
- SV Elversberg - FC Bayern München 1:2
- FC Schalke 04 - SV Elversberg 0:0
Elversberg surprised Bayer Leverkusen with a 3:2 victory in the opening round of the championship. Lukas Petkov and Cole Campbell scored within the first nine minutes, while David Mokwa subsequently extended the lead to 3:0. Leverkusen fought their way back into the match but could not avoid defeat.
The second round produced an even more thrilling victory. Elversberg won 4:3 in Mönchengladbach, with Maurice Krattenmacher scoring twice, including the decisive goal in stoppage time.
Elversberg lost 2:1 against Bayern but offered considerably stronger resistance than might have been expected from Bundesliga debutants. Their most recent encounter, a goalless draw against Schalke, demonstrated that the team can collect points even when their attacking play is less effective.
Elversberg arrive in Berlin having scored eight goals in four matches. By comparison, the hosts have scored four during the same period.
Lukas Petkov, Cole Campbell and Maurice Krattenmacher
Lukas Petkov is one of Elversberg's most important players. Last season, he contributed to their promotion to the Bundesliga with 13 goals and seven assists. In the opening four rounds of the new season, he has recorded one goal and one assist.
Petkov stands out for his speed, runs down the right flank and ability to create opportunities after winning possession. His movement could present a serious problem for Union if the home team's wide players leave too much space.
Cole Campbell is another important element of Wagner's attacking structure. The young American-Icelandic footballer arrived from Borussia Dortmund and scored on his league debut against Leverkusen.
Campbell brings speed and one-on-one ability. Bundesliga statistics for the opening four rounds record 96 sprints by Campbell, clearly illustrating the energy he brings to Elversberg's attack.
Maurice Krattenmacher particularly distinguished himself with two goals in the victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach. His movement into attacking areas and ability to find space between the lines give Wagner an additional option when a match requires a change of tempo.
Felix Keidel and Łukasz Poręba play important roles in central midfield, while Francis Onyeka can operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Tactical expectations: can Union stop Elversberg's fast wingers?
According to pre-match predictions, Union Berlin could line up in a 4-4-2 formation, while Elversberg are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system. The final line-ups will be announced approximately one hour before kick-off.
The hosts' first task will be to improve their defensive compactness. Having conceded 17 goals in four matches, it is clear that Union cannot expect a positive result if they once again allow their opponents numerous clear-cut opportunities.
The space between the last defensive line and central midfielders will be particularly important. Petkov and Campbell can exploit any moment when Union's defence becomes too stretched towards the flanks.
On the other hand, the hosts must find a way to deliver the ball to their forwards in dangerous areas. Latte Lath can best exploit his pace when receiving passes into the space behind the last opposition defender, rather than being constantly forced to play with his back to goal.
Elversberg do not necessarily need to control possession. During their first four matches, they have demonstrated that they can be extremely dangerous when they win the ball quickly and immediately switch the direction of attack.
One particularly interesting indicator is the visitors' playing intensity. According to Bundesliga data, Elversberg participated in 825 duels during the opening four rounds, 115 more than Union. This approach highlights Vincent Wagner's team's willingness to compete physically against more experienced Bundesliga opponents.
Union, however, will benefit from home advantage and additional motivation following a very difficult period in terms of results. If they take the lead, they could force the visitors to play more openly and create additional space for their forwards.
If Elversberg score first, the psychological pressure on the home team could become even greater.
Injuries and potential absentees
Ahead of the match, both coaches must consider the fitness of individual players. According to the available Bundesliga preview, Union have several concerns in defence and attack, while Elversberg also cannot count on a completely fit squad.
Reported absences and fitness concerns:
- Andrej Ilić (Union Berlin) - lack of training and competitive match fitness.
- Andrik Markgraf (Union Berlin) - cruciate ligament injury.
- Stanley Nsoki (Union Berlin) - muscular problems.
- Luis Seifert (SV Elversberg) - ankle syndesmosis injury.
Nsoki's situation is particularly sensitive because Union are already struggling with defensive stability. Every change to the back line requires additional coordination, which becomes more difficult when a team is simultaneously undergoing tactical adaptation.
For Elversberg, Seifert's absence could reduce their defensive options, but Wagner has players available who have already contributed to the team's strong start to the season.
It is worth checking the confirmed line-ups before travelling to the match, as players' fitness can change following the final training sessions.
Head-to-head record: the first meeting between the two clubs
Union Berlin and SV Elversberg have never previously met in a competitive fixture, according to Bundesliga records. Their encounter in Berlin will therefore be their first head-to-head contest.
The reason is straightforward: the clubs have spent most of their histories competing at different levels of German football.
Union Berlin gradually established themselves as a Bundesliga club, while Elversberg have enjoyed a rapid rise from the lower divisions to the top flight over recent seasons.
With no previous head-to-head results, there is no direct statistical comparison that could indicate a favourite. Instead of historical meetings, the most important indicators are currently form, individual quality and the ability to adapt during the match.
Although Union have more experience at this level, the results of the first four rounds clearly demonstrate that Elversberg should not be regarded as weaker opponents simply because this is their inaugural Bundesliga season.
Stadion An der Alten Försterei: a stadium dominated by standing terraces
Stadion An der Alten Försterei is located in Berlin's Köpenick district at An der Wuhlheide 263, 12555 Berlin. It is one of Germany's most recognisable football stadiums, primarily because of its exceptionally high proportion of standing places and the club's close connection with its supporter community.
The stadium opened on August 7, 1920, and has undergone several renovations throughout its history. An especially important period was between 2008 and 2009, when more than 2,300 volunteers participated in its reconstruction. They contributed approximately 140,000 working hours, an achievement that became an important part of the club's identity.
The current stadium has a capacity of 22,012 spectators, consisting of 18,395 standing places and 3,617 seats.
This arrangement strongly shapes the matchday experience. Large numbers of supporters stand close to the pitch, while collective chanting, flags and red-and-white scarves are constant features of Union's home matches.
The atmosphere for this fixture could be particularly intense. Following four rounds without a victory, supporters expect a response from the team, and every attack or successful defensive intervention could trigger a powerful reaction from the stands.
Important stadium information:
- Name: Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
- Address: An der Wuhlheide 263, 12555 Berlin, Germany.
- Capacity: 22,012 spectators.
- Gate opening: generally 120 minutes before kick-off, approximately at 13:30.
- Supporter sections: sections 1 to 4 for home supporters, section 5 for away supporters.
Due to the limited capacity and high demand for home matches, checking ticket availability in advance is recommended. For the match against Elversberg, Union organised applications for a ticket allocation draw among members during September, further demonstrating the importance of planning your visit in good time.
Getting to the stadium: public transport and parking
The stadium is situated in southeastern Berlin, outside the central tourist area, but it is accessible by public transport.
The most convenient option for most visitors is a combination of suburban rail and a short walk. The S3 line is particularly useful, connecting Köpenick with important Berlin transport hubs.
Practical travel options:
- From Berlin Hauptbahnhof: take the S3 towards Erkner to Köpenick station, then walk approximately 15 minutes via Hämmerlingstraße.
- From Ostkreuz: take the S3 towards Köpenick, then continue on foot to the stadium.
- From Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): take a rail connection towards Schöneweide, then tram 60 or 67 to the Alte Försterei stop.
- By car: approach via the A113 and the Berlin-Adlershof exit, then continue towards An der Wuhlheide.
- Parking: very few spaces are available immediately around the stadium; one alternative is the Forum Köpenick car park at Bahnhofstraße 33-38.
Visitors arriving by car should be aware that the Forum Köpenick car park can be used until 21:00 on Saturdays, according to stadium information. However, the availability of spaces depends on occupancy.
Another option is the P+R car park at Altglienicke station, from where the journey can be continued by public transport.
Due to the expected increase in traffic on matchday, setting off early is advisable. Arriving approximately an hour and a half before kick-off allows sufficient time to pass through security checks, locate your section and explore the stadium.
It is also useful to check the latest public transport timetables before travelling, as routes and departure times may change due to construction work.
What should visitors know before entering the stadium?
For Union's home matches, the gates normally open two hours before kick-off. For a match starting at 15:30, this means an expected opening time of around 13:30, unless the organiser announces different instructions.
Supporters should pay attention to the section indicated on their tickets. Home and away areas of the stadium have separate zones, meaning that choosing the correct entrance to the stands is important.
Bags and backpacks larger than A4 size are not permitted in the stands. Storage is available for a fee, but it is simpler to arrive with a smaller bag containing only essential items.
The stadium offers a selection of food and refreshments, including traditional football snacks, hot meals and vegetarian options.
Separate information about accessible entrances and suitable seating is available for people with reduced mobility. Travel arrangements and any necessary accommodations should be checked in advance.
Berlin and Köpenick: what to visit before or after the match?
For supporters arriving from other cities or countries, the match can provide an opportunity to discover one of Berlin's most interesting districts.
Köpenick differs from the bustling city centre. It lies where the Spree and Dahme rivers meet, with forests, lakes and historic buildings in the surrounding area.
The historic old town, Altstadt Köpenick, is known for its narrow streets, historic town hall and waterfront restaurants.
Schloss Köpenick, a Baroque palace located on an island, is particularly noteworthy. It houses part of Berlin's Kunstgewerbemuseum, a museum dedicated to decorative arts and historical artefacts.
Visitors with more time may also enjoy exploring the area around Müggelsee, Berlin's largest lake, which offers opportunities for walking and spending time in nature.
If attending the match is the main objective, it is practical to plan sightseeing so that enough time remains to reach the stadium. Berlin is a large city, and travelling between distant districts can take considerably longer than it might appear on a map.
Tickets and the expected matchday atmosphere
Union Berlin play their home matches in front of supporters who share a strong connection with the club. The combination of large standing sections and a relatively compact stadium creates an environment in which events on the pitch immediately resonate through the stands.
The encounter against Elversberg brings additional tension because the home supporters are still waiting for their team's first victory of the season. For Union, it will be an opportunity to demonstrate a response to the heavy defeat against Bayern in front of their own fans.
The visiting supporters, meanwhile, have reasons to be satisfied. Their team have already secured two league victories and occupy a position considerably higher than those typically associated with newly promoted Bundesliga clubs.
Checking ticket availability and entry requirements in advance is worthwhile, particularly when travelling from outside Berlin. It is also important to remember that kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 local time and that traffic and security checks may extend the time needed to reach the stands.
For first-time visitors to Stadion An der Alten Försterei, arriving sufficiently early to witness supporters gathering around the stadium can be particularly rewarding. Union's red-and-white colours, collective chanting and the atmosphere in Köpenick form an important part of the overall football matchday experience.
Sources:
- DFB Datencenter - Bundesliga standings after Matchday 4 of the 2026/2027 season, points, goal differences and club results.
https://datencenter.dfb.de/de/competitions/bundesliga/seasons/2026-2027/matchday/4
- DFB Datencenter - confirmation of the match date and time and the Matchday 5 schedule.
https://datencenter.dfb.de/de/competitions/bundesliga/seasons/2026-2027/matchday/5
- Bundesliga - preview of Union Berlin - SV Elversberg, head-to-head history, tactical formations, injuries and statistics.
https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/spieltag/2026-2027/5/1-fc-union-berlin-vs-sv-elversberg/liveticker/
- Bundesliga - Union Berlin's 2026/2027 season overview, coach Mauro Lustrinelli, Emmanuel Latte Lath, Rani Khedira and tactical system.
https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/news/1-fc-union-berlin-teamcheck-bundesliga-26-27-38783
- Bundesliga - SV Elversberg's 2026/2027 season overview, coach Vincent Wagner, youth development and key signings.
https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/news/teamcheck-saisonvorschau-2026-27-sv-elversberg-campbell-petkov-38570
- Bundesliga - match reports from Elversberg's games against Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, goalscorers and match developments.
https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/spieltag/2026-2027/1/sv-elversberg-vs-bayer-04-leverkusen/liveticker
https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/news/borussia-moenchengladbach-sv-elversberg-spieltag-2-spielbericht-highlights-39037
- 1. FC Union Berlin - visitor information, gate opening times, sections and stadium regulations.
https://www.fc-union-berlin.de/de/stadion/besucherinfos-2h5Y
- Stadion An der Alten Försterei - history, capacity and numbers of standing and seated places.
https://www.altefoersterei.berlin/de-e/stadion/das-stadion-ndSq
- Stadion An der Alten Försterei - directions, public transport, parking facilities and stadium address.
https://www.stadion-an-der-alten-foersterei.de/anfahrt/
- 1. FC Union Berlin - information about ticket allocation draw dates for home matches against Elversberg and Borussia Dortmund.
https://www.fc-union-berlin.de/de/meldungen/termine-der-losverfahren-fuer-elversberg-und-dortmund-LKpVMu
- visitBerlin - tourist information about Altstadt Köpenick, Schloss Köpenick and the Treptow-Köpenick district.
https://www.visitberlin.de/de/altstadt-koepenick
https://www.visitberlin.de/de/bezirke/treptow-koepenick