Union versus Leipzig: The series speaks for the Köpenicker

The law of the series speaks for the Köpenicker. Marco Rose also knows the numbers. 1:2 - no less than five times in a row Union Berlin won in the Bundesliga against the from the iron view unloved rival RB Leipzig. The Saxons are challenged this Sunday (17:30/DAZN) at the league leader. The last and only victory at the Alte Försterei came in August 2019 (4-0). Timo Werner made everything clear early on with the 3:0 in the 42nd minute. But at the moment, the speedy international striker is in a goal crisis, has been waiting 726 minutes for a goal. How can RB then defeat Union?

Rose wants to prevent Unioner standards: "They are very dangerous via crosses and headers. That will certainly be an issue for us," said the 46-year-old coach, adding that due to the "two physically strong strikers who bring speed into the game and are there in the box by head. We need to defend their crosses and be on the opponent in the penalty area."

RB needs pace and depth: Leipzig wants to play on Union's pressure with its own solutions. "We want to bring our quality on the pitch to not give Union what makes them dangerous," explained Rose, who relies on the speed of Lois Openda, Xavi Simons and just Werner in the switching game - in addition to the brilliance of Dani Olmo. And if Werner, as expected, is not in the starting eleven, Rose has with Yussuf Poulsen and Benjamin Šeško top alternatives against Kevin Behrens and Co. "The normal laws of a competition," he said.

Power and passion: as in the 5-0 run in half-time two against VfB Stuttgart, RB relies on a lot of power. This time, however, from the start: "In the first ten minutes, it will be much about first and second balls. We have to win duels and close the gaps," said Rose, who is calling for a "mature performance." Especially in the player opening in the defensive midfield RB could have an advantage with the experienced Xaver Schlager and Kevin Kampl after the loss of Rani Khedira at Union.

Rose on respect and Leipzig's raison d'être: Even if the Union supporters once again silent or openly live out their rejection of RB, Rose cares little. "We define our raison d'être by the tens of thousands of fans who come to our stadium every weekend, the atmosphere that prevails around the club," said the coach, who even gets "positive feedback on his Baltic Sea vacation." "That not everyone thinks we're great, we accept, but that won't stop because we try to do a good job here." He also returns this respect to the opponent: Union has "arrived by now, even in the Champions League." He thought the draw was "cool, I'm happy for Köpenick, for the club, also for the region as a whole."