Union Berlin vs Bayern München Match Recap - Dec 3, 2025

Bayern München Survives Union Berlin's Resilience in DFB Pokal Thriller

Bayern München's ability to withstand pressure was on full display as they edged past Union Berlin 3-2 in a gripping DFB Pokal Round of 16 clash. The match highlighted Bayern's attacking prowess, but also exposed vulnerabilities that could haunt them in future rounds.

Bayern's recent form has been a rollercoaster, with the team bouncing back from a disappointing loss to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League just days prior. The victory against Union Berlin marked their second consecutive win in domestic competitions, following a dominant 6-2 thrashing of SC Freiburg. Harry Kane continues to be the focal point of Bayern's attack, scoring once again to maintain his impressive tally this season. His ability to find the net consistently has been crucial for Bayern, especially when the team has faced challenges in defense.

Union Berlin's performance, while ultimately falling short, showcased their fighting spirit and tactical discipline. Despite two own goals from Ilyas Ansah and Diogo Leite, they managed to keep the match competitive through the efforts of Leopold Querfeld, who converted two penalties. This resilience is a stark contrast to their recent form, where they struggled to convert chances into goals. Their last five matches included only one win, and this defeat adds to their woes as they continue to search for consistency.

Statistically, Bayern dominated possession with 66%, reflecting their control over the game. They also outperformed Union in passing accuracy, completing 80% of their passes compared to Union's 67%. This ball control allowed Bayern to dictate the tempo and create more opportunities, evidenced by their 4 shots on goal versus Union's 3. However, Union's ability to generate 9 total shots indicates that they were not without their chances, even if they struggled to convert them effectively.

The match also highlighted Bayern's defensive frailties. Two own goals in quick succession raised questions about their backline's composure under pressure. This is particularly concerning given that Bayern had previously shown defensive solidity in their recent matches. The inconsistency in defense could be a critical factor as they advance deeper into the tournament.

Joshua Kimmich remains a key player for Bayern, orchestrating play from midfield and contributing significantly to their passing game. His vision and distribution were pivotal in maintaining Bayern's attacking momentum throughout the match. Meanwhile, Union's Rani Khedira, who has been a standout performer in recent weeks, struggled to make an impact against Bayern's relentless midfield pressure.

Union Berlin's recent struggles have been compounded by their inability to maintain possession and create clear-cut chances. Their expected goals (xG) figures have often fallen short of their actual output, as seen in their last match against 1. FC Heidenheim where they managed an xG of only 0.97 despite generating several opportunities. This trend continued against Bayern, where they found themselves on the back foot for large portions of the game.

The psychological aspect of this match cannot be overlooked. Union Berlin had previously held Bayern to a draw just weeks earlier, which may have instilled a sense of belief heading into this encounter. However, the early own goal from Ansah seemed to deflate their confidence, forcing them to chase the game from an early stage. Their ability to respond with two penalties showed resilience, but ultimately it was not enough to secure a place in the next round.

Bayern's victory not only secures their progression in the DFB Pokal but also serves as a reminder of their attacking capabilities when firing on all cylinders. The combination of Kane's finishing and Kimmich's playmaking creates a potent threat that few teams can match. Yet, the defensive lapses must be addressed if they are to contend for silverware this season.

Looking ahead, both teams face crucial fixtures that will shape their seasons. Bayern will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory. Meanwhile, Union Berlin must regroup and find ways to convert their chances into points if they hope to climb the Bundesliga standings and regain confidence.

This match encapsulated the highs and lows of football: Bayern's attacking flair contrasted sharply with Union's defensive misfortunes. As both teams reflect on this encounter, it is clear that while Bayern advances, Union Berlin must dig deep to rediscover their form and resilience moving forward.