HSV, long referred to as the "Bundesliga dinosaur," were founded in September 1887 and were part of the first Bundesliga season in 1963/64. They finished sixth at the end of this season but could count the club icon Uwe Seeler as the league's first top scorer. Further successes in the form of trophies only came for Hamburg in the late 1970s and early 1980s: German champions in 1979, 1982, and 1983, DFB Pokal winners in 1976 and 1987, European Cup Winners' Cup winners in 1977, and European Champions Cup winners in 1983; all titles from undoubtedly the most successful era of HSV in their nearly 138-year history.  

In contrast, the seasons from 2011 onwards were somewhat less successful. Two late rescues in the play-offs in 2013/14 and 2014/15, as well as afirst relegation to the 2. Bundesliga in 2018, marked a turning point. Although they subsequently aimed for direct promotion, they regularly missed out as fourth-placed or in the relegation playoff matches. 

Despite seven consecutive years in the second division, HSV still rank sixth in the all-time Bundesliga table. To add to these, acoaching team led by head coach Merlin Polzin are relying on some familiar faces from the promotion squad, while strengthening it with some new arrivals. Notable among them are the experienced Yussuf Poulsen, who took over the captain's armband at the Elbe after his transfer from RasenBallsport Leipzig, and Fábio Vieira, on loan from Arsenal. Center-back Warmed Omari, signed on loan from FC Stade Rennes, has proven to be a constant in the defensive center and has played all competitive matches for the full 90 minutes.

Up front, the six-time German champions are still searching for the right solution. After five games, only four goals have been scored this season, two of which were credited to defenders Luka Vuskovic and Gui Ramos, while the other two goals were scored by forwards Ransford Königsdörffer and Rayan Phillippe. 

1. FC Union Berlin and Hamburger SV have faced each other twice in professional men’s football. During the 2018/19 second division season, the Eisernen managed a 2-2 draw away at Hamburg, while the return match at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei ended with a 2-0 victory for the home side.

With Matheo Raab and Derrick Köhn, two players from the Unioner squad have already worn the diamond on their chest. Raab was a goalkeeper there a total of 22 times from 2022 to 2025, while Köhn went through parts of the HSV youth departments and moved to FC Bayern II in 2017 after four years in the north.

Steffen Baumgart, who cannot stand on Union's touchline this weekend due to a suspension, can also look back on a Hamburg past. He managed HSV in 27 2. Liga matches.

Co-trainer Sebastian Bönig, who will stand in for Union's head coach Baumgart on Sunday, has to do without Livan Burcu, Andrik Markgraf, and Robert Skov.

“We are aware of the strengths of HSV and how they can be dangerous to us. They are very fast, so we need to be attentive," said Bönig, Union's co-trainer, during his press conference on Friday afternon. "Moreover, they have also changed their way of playing a bit recently. What's important is their strong transitional play, which we need to get under control. In the end, we will give everything to win.” 

“Union have a very experienced team and incredible speed in the front line, they attack variably and also bring a certain physicality and robustness. It is now their seventh consecutive year in the top flight, and one must take their development into account. It will definitely be a complex task and a cool challenge against an opponent that arenow playing real Steffen-Baumgart football,” said Merlin Polzin.

The Stadion An der Alten Försterei opens as usual two hours before kick off. The match is sold out in both the home and away areas, information from the Berlin Police regarding the match can be found here.

Please note: There will continue to be significant restrictions in public transport. The tram routes from "Altstadt Köpenick" can only be reached by replacement bus service. All visitors are therefore advised to arrive in good time.