Promoted for the first time in 2019, Union has already reached — and surpassed — its season target of 40 points to ensure survival and its place in the league for a fifth season. There are still 14 games to go. Even the players are having a hard time believing in Union Berlin’s remarkable run this season. Union Berlin finding own Bundesliga success surreal.
“It’s a bit surreal,” Union midfielder Rani Khedira said after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
“No one had imagined this development,” Khedira said.
“We sat down before the season, and it quickly became apparent to everyone that we wanted to reach 40 points again as quickly as possible because we know how difficult the Bundesliga is.”
Union Berlin finding own Bundesliga success surreal
Despite modest resources, Union is only a point behind 10-time defending champion Bayern Munich in second place after winning every game since the turn of the year.
“The madness continues,” Union coach Urs Fischer said after the win in Leipzig.
It was the club’s fifth consecutive 2-1 league victory over Leipzig and it ended the home team’s 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Fischer echoed Khedira, who was a captain in place of the rested Christopher Trimmel when he referred to the team’s point total.
“It’s even more surreal than it was before the game,” the Swiss coach said. “Forty-two points in the 20th round, what should I say?”