Union Berlin’s Tactical Evolution: Breaking Into the Bundesliga Elite
Following an impressive seventh-place finish and European qualification for the first time in two decades, Union Berlin have continued their remarkable ascent in the 2021-22 Bundesliga campaign. After 20 matches, the team sits just one point behind third-placed Bayer Leverkusen, firmly entrenched in the race for a coveted top-four spot. Under head coach Urs Fischer, Union have crafted an identity built on tactical discipline, organization, and an effective use of their squad’s unique talents. Below is a detailed analysis of Union Berlin’s tactical setup, examining how structure and adaptability drive their ongoing success.
Formation and Team Structure Under Urs Fischer
Union Berlin have consistently lined up with a back-three system throughout the current Bundesliga season, showcasing tactical flexibility within their preferred formations—primarily a 3-1-4-2 and, occasionally, a 3-4-1-2 shape. Fischer’s approach allows him to rotate personnel while maintaining a strong core group of experienced players.
The central defensive trio now comprises Paul Jaeckel, who has stepped in following Marvin Friedrich’s departure, alongside the dependable Robin Knoche and the adventurous Timo Baumgartl. Experienced goalkeeper Andreas Luthe provides a reliable last line of defense, recording six clean sheets in the campaign to date.
Veteran captain Christopher Trimmel continues to excel as right wing-back, while Niko Gießelmann’s attacking presence on the left flank adds creative impetus, with Bastian Oczipka providing depth as his understudy. The midfield anchor is Rani Khedira, who has featured in all but one league match, partnered with the energetic Grischa Prömel, notable for his well-timed forward runs. In the advanced midfield and wide areas, Fischer alternates between ball-carriers like Genki Haraguchi, dynamic runners such as Sheraldo Becker, and the versatile Levin Öztunali.
Upfront, Taiwo Awoniyi has led the line with nine goals in 17 matches, supported by the craft and work rate of Max Kruse. Andreas Voglsammer has recently earned opportunities during Awoniyi’s absence on international duty. This blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents creates a balanced, battle-hardened starting XI—a key factor in Fischer’s successful blueprint.
Controlled Build-Up from the Back
Union Berlin’s build-up play is defined by calculated, collective movements and a commitment to exploiting space methodically. The three central defenders play closely, offering narrow passing lanes which enable controlled ball circulation from the back. Goalkeeper Luthe and midfield anchor Khedira often join the initial build-up phase, forming a reliable platform for progression.
A key aspect of their structure is the use of flexible positioning during the build-up. For example, a central midfielder may drop deep, creating a temporary 3+2 configuration, or a center-back might step forward to aid progression, briefly shifting the shape to resemble a 2+2. On occasion, the formation morphs into a 5-1-2-2, with wing-backs dropping deeper to help stretch the opposition vertically and create space for the strikers.
While Union favor short passing exchanges, they are not averse to mixing in direct play—especially when under pressure or seeking to exploit aerial superiority. Knoche, Jaeckel, and Baumgartl are all comfortable playing long passes, with Knoche posting the team’s highest number of final third entries via long balls and a 69% long pass completion rate. This pragmatic adaptation keeps opponents guessing and enables the team to break pressure when necessary.
On average, Union Berlin attempt 67 long passes per match, ranking fourth in the Bundesliga for this metric. Their willingness to have the goalkeeper play direct balls into target men is especially effective, bypassing the opposition midfield and leveraging the strength of forwards like Voglsammer and Kruse.
Dynamic Attacking Approach
Once the defensive lines are broken, Union Berlin waste little time advancing the attack. Their approach relies heavily on rapid wing play and well-coordinated combinations. Attack-building typically starts with the wing-backs and attacking midfielders creating overloads in wide areas, looking to provide service into the penalty area where strikers wait to capitalize on chances.
Midfielders, especially Prömel, are adept at making late runs into the box, contributing both goals and chaos in opposition defenses. Sheraldo Becker stands out for his pace and direct dribbling, boasting the highest number of progressive carries in the squad, often surging down the right to complement Trimmel’s forward sorties. On the left, Gießelmann emerges as the leading creative force, producing more key passes, crosses, and assists than any teammate.
Union spend significant portions of matches without the ball—averaging only 43% possession—making transition phases crucial. The team excels at quick offensive transitions using direct runs, one-touch combinations, and robust target men who can win and retain long balls, setting up colleagues for further attacking opportunities. This dynamic enables Union to maximize scoring chances during limited spells of possession.
Set-piece situations, particularly attacking throw-ins, are a subtle yet important facet. Union frequently use clever decoy movements to create open spaces for lateral or backward throws, which statistically offer higher ball retention and shot-creation potential. This attention to detail in dead-ball situations reflects Fischer’s commitment to leveraging every possible advantage.
Defensive Solidity and Tactical Flexibility
Union Berlin’s defensive stability is the foundation of their rise in the Bundesliga standings. The team has conceded just 23 goals in 20 games (joint fourth-best), with an expected goals against of 26.3. Defensive organization is prioritized, with Union operating most frequently in a compact 5-3-2 shape, funneling opposition play wide and frustrating teams into making lateral passes.
Rather than employing relentless high pressing, Union mainly maintain shape in a mid- or low-block, allowing the front two to press selectively and direct play toward the flanks. The figures reveal this approach: Union recover the ball in the attacking third fewer than 30 times per match, among the lowest in the division. However, when a high press is deployed, the structure briefly shifts to a 5-1-2-2, flexibly adapting to the opponent’s buildup pattern.
The team’s tactical versatility is evident in their ability to adjust pressing schemes and player roles in response to the opponent’s setup. For instance, against teams using a 3-1-4-2 shape, Union have adapted by pressing man-to-man or shifting their midfielders’ responsibilities.
Defenders, anchored by the organizational skills of Knoche, are positioned to track opposition movement, while midfielders provide zone coverage and support out wide. The system’s effectiveness is further enhanced as forwards drop deep in a low block, making Union particularly challenging to break down both centrally and in wide areas.
Tactics to Counter Union Berlin’s Resilient Defence
Though Union Berlin are difficult to penetrate, there are strategies that can disrupt their defensive scheme. Opponents are most successful when employing quick, incisive line-breaking passes through narrow gaps, as opposed to slow, lateral circulation which Union deal with easily. Fluid positional rotations and rapid one-touch play can force Union midfielders and defenders out of their preferred shape, creating rare openings.
While carrying the ball through Union’s compact center is tough, teams with agile dribblers can challenge the mobility of Union’s veteran back three, particularly in transitional phases or with sudden changes of direction. Utilizing pace on the flanks or orchestrating quick central overloads are other ways to threaten Fischer’s structured defence.
Conclusion: Union Berlin’s Blueprint for Sustained Success
Union Berlin’s phenomenal progress is built on a foundation of discipline, tactical clarity, and maximizing squad strengths. Their blend of calculated build-up, direct transitional play, and organized defense has yielded some of the Bundesliga’s most impressive results, including the fewest goals conceded among their rivals.
Fischer’s reliance on experience and adaptability ensures that the side can adjust to varying match scenarios without abandoning their core tactical philosophy. As Union continue their push for a top-four finish, their tactical framework stands as a model of how collective organization and versatility can bridge the gap to the Bundesliga elite. Whether they achieve Champions League qualification remains to be seen—but their journey offers an intriguing blueprint for teams with big aspirations and modest resources.
