Union Berlin Edges Erzgebirge Aue 2-1 in Freeze-Test Friendly

In a preseason friendly played under freezing conditions around minus eight degrees, Union Berlin secured a 2-1 victory over third-division side Erzgebirge Aue. The match, witnessed by 2,332 spectators, was a key preparation ahead of Union's Bundesliga reopening game against Mainz, scheduled for January 9 at 15:30. Union's starting lineup included players likely to feature in the official season opener, such as Rönnow, Trimmel, Doekhi, Querfeld, and Kemlein.

Union took an early lead when Aljoscha Kemlein scored in the 9th minute with a well-placed shot assisted by striker Oliver Burke. Burke then doubled the advantage in the 54th minute following a corner kick setup by Trimmel. Erzgebirge Aue pulled one back late in the game with a goal from Schmid in the 108th minute of the extended friendly.

Despite several players sidelined due to injuries or illness—including Robert Skov, Dmytro Bogdanov, and Rani Khedira—Union dominated the match. Oliver Burke and Andrej Ilic, however, missed crucial chances in the first half, while Leopold Querfeld's long-range effort narrowly missed, hitting the outside post.

The day was also marked by the celebration of Union's coach Steffen Baumgart's 54th birthday; he received gifts from fans and a modest present from Erzgebirge Aue’s managing director Michael Tarnat.

This victory under harsh winter conditions reflects Union Berlin’s solid form and readiness for their Bundesliga campaign restart against Mainz, led by former Union coach Urs Fischer.