Start of the Bundesliga: Union sees the Bavarians for the first time only with binoculars

Union Berlin’s Women’s Team Lose Season Opener to Bayern Munich, But Show Determination The women's team of 1. FC Union Berlin suffered a 1:4 defeat against reigning champions FC Bayern Munich in their Bundesliga season opener on Friday evening, 22 August 2026. Despite the loss, the match highlighted the growing ambition of the club, which has been steadily building its presence in German women’s football over the past two years. The game took place at the Alte Försterei stadium in Berlin, with more than 17,000 spectators in attendance. While the result was disappointing, the performance of Union’s players, many of whom were new to the starting XI, was met with admiration from both fans and opponents alike. The match began with Union showing promise, particularly in the first half. They pressed high and created several chances, including a close shot from Eileen Campbell just outside the penalty area in the seventh minute. Another opportunity came in the 12th minute when Tomke Schneider forced a save from Bayern goalkeeper Ena Mahmutovic with a powerful long-range strike. However, the momentum shifted after the break, when Bayern capitalized on a defensive error by Union. Pernille Harder scored the opening goal in the 47th minute following a poor pass from a Union player, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Bayern continued to dominate the second half, scoring three more goals. Glodis Viggosdottir made it 3:1 with a header in the 60th minute, and Sophie Proost sealed the victory with a late goal in stoppage time. Union managed to pull one back through Nele Bauereisen in the 79th minute, but it was not enough. The final score of 4:1 underscored the gap between the two teams, though Union’s resilience was evident throughout. Marie-Louise Eta, the newly appointed head coach of Union, expressed pride in her squad despite the loss. “We have a young team that is developable,” she said. “It’s clear that not everything is perfect yet, but we remain positive and take many good things with us.” Eta, who previously coached the men’s team, has brought fresh energy and visibility to the club, helping to elevate its profile within German football. Her appointment has been widely welcomed, and she has already begun to make an impact on the pitch. The performance of Union’s players was noted by Bayern’s coach, José Barcala, who praised their determination and direction. “They know where they want to go. It’s a question of time,” he said. His comments reflected a cautious optimism about Union’s potential to become a serious contender in the league. For Eta, however, the challenge is clear: to build on this early season form and continue developing the team into a force capable of challenging the top clubs. Looking ahead, Union faces its next test against SC Freiburg on the following week. Coach Eta emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and growth. “We’ve seen what’s possible in 90 minutes. We’re not where we want to be yet, but the season is still long, and we will get there,” she said. The team’s ability to adapt and improve will be crucial as they aim to climb up the league table. With the Bundesliga season officially underway, the pressure is on for Union to deliver consistent performances. While the defeat against Bayern is a setback, it also serves as a valuable learning experience. As the competition intensifies, the club’s commitment to progress, and the talent of its players, will determine how far they can go in the coming months.