Niko Kovac expects “a tough battle from the first to the final whistle” in Berlin | OneFootball

ScenarioInterestingly, Union Berlin have lost to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga more often than against any other team (nine times, including five of the last six meetings), but BVB have lost four of their six games at the Alten Försterei. This is Borussia’s highest loss percentage against a club it has played at least twice. “18:30, Wuhlheide, the lights come on and we need to be fast out of the traps. It will be a tough battle from the first to the final whistle,” says the BVB head coach when referring to the other teams who have lost there (including Stuttgart and Leipzig) or only managed to draw there (Bayern Munich!). He demands only one thing of his team: “First, they have to be willing to go toe-to-toe with Union. Only then can we start to play football.”

AftermathTuesday’s game against Tottenham has not been forgotten. “Of course, I know that we have a few things to improve on,” says Kovac in response to the criticism faced by his team, “but I also know that the team has improved significantly compared to last season.” One year ago, “it wasn’t the playing style that was criticised but the results. I’m not happy with certain situations either. If you win only 36% of the duels in the first half, then it’s difficult to win the game. For me, football is first and foremost about intensity and being aggressive. Tackling is the essence of football.”

Personnel matters Everyone is available except Marcel Sabitzer (calf injury).

At risk of suspensionThree Borussia players – all defenders (!) – are on four yellow cards going into the game: Julian Ryerson, Nico Schlotterbeck and Yan Couto. They will be suspended if they pick up another yellow card.

OpponentMore than a third (37%) of Union’s goals have come from set pieces, which is the second-highest percentage in the Bundesliga. Their defenders are strong in the air and score more often than their strikers, so it will be important to watch out for that. The team from Köpenick has also recently benefitted from substitutions, with all four of their goals in 2026 being scored by super subs.Boris Rupert