Union Berlin is grappling with significant defensive frailties at the start of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season, as evidenced by a 3-3 draw in their opener against Eintracht Frankfurt on August 29. The club from Köpenick, which finished 11th in the previous campaign, came back from a 1-3 deficit to earn a point, but defensive instability was the dominant story. This is reported by the specialist magazine Kicker.
Manager Mauro Lustrinelli's team deployed a 4-2-2-2 formation at the Waldstadion, a clear departure from the historically entrenched five-man backline. This tactical reorientation, which had already appeared risky in pre-season friendlies, led to glaring gaps against Frankfurt. Centre-backs Leopold Querfeld and Livan Burcu made individual errors, while the offensively-minded wing-backs Josip Juranović and Tom Rothe left the flanks exposed when pushing forward. Central midfielders Aljoscha Kemlein and Rani Khedira were unable to cover the resulting spaces, as the system provided no adjustment.
Why is the new system so vulnerable?
Lustrinelli explained the issues as part of a necessary bedding-in period. "Das ist, wie wenn man ein Haus baut" (It's like building a house), the coach said, noting that Union Berlin is accustomed to a compact five-man defence. Switching to a more offensive back four with only two holding midfielders requires time. That time was missing during the frantic comeback phase when Union overturned the 1-3 deficit. The historical strength of the club, known for its defensive discipline since its days in the 5th division and for consistently conceding few goals and chances in the Bundesliga, seems initially lost in the new setup.
Statistics from last season underscore the importance of a stable defence. Union ended the 2025 season in 11th place with 39 points, but with 58 goals conceded against 44 scored, they had a negative goal difference of -14. In the final standings, they trailed champions Bayern Munich by 50 points. Their recent form before the season start was mixed with two wins, a draw, and two losses. Solid defensive work is therefore key to establishing themselves in secure mid-table and avoiding relegation danger.
What was the role of the cup win?
The 4-2 victory in the DFB-Pokal against Eintracht Braunschweig the week before could not mask the fundamental problems. While the attack functioned in that match, the defensive shortcomings became more apparent against the Bundesliga opponent Frankfurt. The team showed morale and fighting spirit to achieve the 3-3 draw, but the structural weaknesses remain the biggest construction site. For fans wanting to follow the rest of the season, it's worth checking the fixtures.
What's next for Union Berlin?
The next major challenge awaits on November 21 with a home match against currently third-placed RB Leipzig. Until then, Lustrinelli has time to refine the defensive organisation. The team must learn to stand more compactly in the more open system without sacrificing their new offensive power. The upcoming Bundesliga matches will show whether the transition will be a long-term success or if adjustments are needed. The current standings and detailed stats offer further insight into the team's situation. The point against Frankfurt is a first step, but concerns about the defence remain.
