At 1. FC Union, however, no one will take off

After the fourth (clear) derby success in a row, 1. FC Union could feel a certain complacency. However, this contradicts everything that has been built up in Köpenick in recent years.

And so a user on Twitter, who writes slightly euphoric about the 3-1 win against Hertha BSC on Saturday about the true Big City Club, is brought back to reality by another: “We are Union Berlin, with us there is solid work without confused flights of fancy and that’s the way it should stay.”

The game on Saturday afternoon cemented the balance of power that currently prevails in Berlin football. Union has confirmed its status as number one or “city champion” (Christopher Trimmel). Victories against Hertha BSC – no matter how special they may be for the individual fan – have almost become normal.

The constantly admonishing and warning Urs Fischer did not want to accept the role of favorites before the game, but de facto Union held it. Even if no club really knows where it really stands at the start of the season.

However, it looks as if manager Oliver Ruhnert and coach Fischer once again did a good job in the summer. The signings, at least those who were in the starting eleven on Saturday, played as if they had always done so for Union.

Striker Jordan Siebatcheu really didn’t miss anyone at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei Taiwo Awoniyi, especially since the new attacker brings another element to the offensive game of the Berlin team: Heading power. In addition, Diego Leite in the back three and Jannik Haberer as the game designer were convincing.

The lackluster cup performance in Chemnitz still revealed significant shortcomings, but only a few days later there was a significant improvement in all areas in the derby. Union not only seemed “grippy” and “bilious”, as Hertha’s coach Sandro Schwarz put it, but was also able to convince in terms of play. In addition, the Köpenicker were, as always, well sorted, structured and tactically well adjusted among Fischer.

Union’s claim must be to win at home against someone who was almost relegated last season

But one thing is clear: It was only one game and despite all the emotional exaggeration that a derby entails, it was also one in your own stadium against a player who was almost relegated from the previous season. In principle, it must be Union’s aim to beat such an opponent. Stronger teams will come, and there will also be setbacks in Köpenick. The season is still young.

But one thing is already certain: At Union, they will continue on their chosen path calmly and prudently. Nobody will pick up or panic in case of failure. Solid work – just like on Saturday against Hertha.