Union Berlin has been unbeaten in six competitive games. The Europa League game at Ajax Amsterdam is just right. However, the opponent has a proud home record against German opponents.
The Johann Cruyff Stadium is an impressive building. If you drive to the south of Amsterdam, the huge arena with its 55,500 seats and the closable roof suddenly appears and the road leads directly into the parking garage, in the belly of the stadium. No Iron Irons fan would ever have dreamed that 1.FC Union would play a competitive match in the knockout phase of an international competition there. “You have to enjoy this game. The club deserves it,” says a proud coach Urs Fischer. In the same breath, he also follows: “When it starts, it’s all about a good starting position for the second leg.”
What you should know about Union’s Europa League opponents Ajax Amsterdam
1. FC Union is facing one of the biggest games in the club’s history. In the European Cup it’s against Ajax Amsterdam. The Dutch record champion shaped modern football and is a self-sustaining system. By Till Oppermannmore
The mood before the away game in Amsterdam…
…the Union fans stroll through the small, narrow streets of Amsterdam with a big grin on their faces. The away game at Ajax Amsterdam is a holiday for the red and white supporters, but the Köpenickers only got 2,700 tickets. Significantly more fans are expected in Amsterdam, even without a ticket. About two and a half years ago, the Köpenicker were already guests at Ajax Amsterdam. At that time it was a test match (2: 2), spectators were not allowed due to the corona situation on the warm August day. This time it’s about getting into the round of 16 of the Europa League.
Fischer: “Normal tension” noticeable
“The team is focused and full of anticipation,” says Urs Fischer. “At the same time you notice a tension, but that’s normal in a knockout game like this, we don’t have situations like that very often.” The game in Amsterdam should be an experience for all Union players. On the day of the match, the entire team is in the stadium, including the players who are injured, suspended or not registered for the competition. Even the experienced Urs Fischer was tense at the press conference: “This game is also very important in my career.”
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The opponent Ajax Amsterdam…
Ajax Amsterdam is the FC Bayern of the Netherlands. Media coverage across the country revolves around the record champions. 36 championships and four Champions League titles are displayed in the club’s stately cup display case. At the beginning of the 1970s, the team around Ajax legend Johann Cruyff dominated the European championship competition and won the European crown three times in a row. Ajax has met German teams again and again in the past. In 1975, for example, the Dutch were the last stop in the UEFA Cup for Hertha BSC. After the 1:0 victory in the first leg, Hertha got under the wheels with 1:4 in Amsterdam. However, the Ajax home ground has never been a good place for German teams. In 18 home games, Ajax only lost 4-1 to Borussia Dortmund in 2012, otherwise no German team went home as winners.
Little competition in the league
Ajax defines themselves through the European Cup nights, also because there is little competition in the league. In recent weeks, however, the team has slipped nationally to third place in the table. That was enough to replace coach Alfred Schreuder with ex-Hertha player John Heitinga, under whom Ajax regained more stability. The championship title is a must for Ajax, and the focus is always on their own award-winning offspring. Since 2018, the Amsterdamers have generated over 600 million euros through player sales. The flow of talent does not seem to dry up.
This is how Union could play…
Coach Urs Fischer is still pondering who will fill the midfield positions. With Haberer and Schäfer, two important players are out for the first leg. Winter newcomer Aissa Laidouni will start in Leipzig like last time. Morten Thorsby will most likely appear at his side. After a long injury break, Fischer was careful with the Norwegian and used him as a joker, now Thorsby is challenged. Behrens and Becker play again in the storm. Ex-Amsterdamer Sheraldo Becker is in demand when he returns. Grown up in the Ajax youth, it wasn’t enough for the professionals. Now the fast striker wants to show his youth club how good he has become.
Union could start like this: Rönnow – Leite, Knoche, Doekhi – Gießelmann, R. Khedira, Juranovic – Laidouni, Thorsby – Becker, Behrens
Prognosis…
… is difficult in this first leg. 1.FC Union has won all six competitive games in 2023 so far and is in impressive form. Even deficits like in Leipzig don’t upset the team of coach Urs Fischer. On the other hand, however, there is an individually strong and experienced team in Ajax Amsterdam. Coach Urs Fischer therefore speaks of “creating a sensation”. A draw would be a good starting point for the second leg and is possible with Union’s defensive strength.
Broadcast: rbb24, February 15, 2023, 9:45 p.m
