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Real Madrid vs Union Berlin: A Glimpse of the New and the Old in European Football

Real Madrid is poised to take on Bundesliga surprise package Union Berlin in their first UEFA Champions League match of the 2023-24 season. The encounter will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu, as Los Blancos seek to extend their winning streak to six games in all competitions.

Introduction

Real Madrid enters the fray after dispatching Real Sociedad 2-1 in La Liga, which has been their fifth consecutive win. Union Berlin, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, has had a mixed start, coming off a 2-1 defeat against Wolfsburg. This fixture offers a window into both the storied history and fresh narratives of European football.

Real Madrid

Current Form

Los Blancos are on a hot streak, winning five straight games in La Liga and claiming the pole position with 15 points. While they haven't been in scintillating form, their effectiveness cannot be questioned.

Key Players

Dani Ceballos is back from a hamstring injury, adding depth to the midfield. Jude Bellingham, having scored five times already this season, is expected to be a focal point in the attack. However, they will miss key figures like Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Vinicius Junior due to injuries.

Strategies and Tactics

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid has employed a flexible system that can both control the game and strike efficiently. Quick transitions and positional awareness have been their go-to strategies.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Real Madrid's strength lies in their ability to grind out results. Their main concern would be the absence of key players, particularly in defense.

Union Berlin

Current Form

Union Berlin's form has been inconsistent, winning their first two Bundesliga matches before suffering back-to-back defeats. They currently sit in eighth place domestically.

Key Players

Kevin Behrens has been Union Berlin's main goal threat, scoring four times this season. However, the team will miss injured players like Rani Khedira and Andras Schafer.

Strategies and Tactics

Managed by Urs Fischer, Union Berlin might adopt a cautious approach, focusing on solid defensive structures and counter-attacks to stymie Real Madrid.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The German side's key strength could be their unpredictability as newcomers to the competition. However, their inconsistency and injuries could hamper their performance.

Head to Head

This marks the first-ever meeting between Real Madrid and Union Berlin, making the game an intriguing watch.

Statistics

Real Madrid's recent form reads WWWWW, while Union Berlin's form is WWWLL. Despite missing key players, the La Liga giants remain the favorite, especially playing at home.

Prediction