First test of strength in the new year:
Union's 120-minute test in Aue
Not even a week before the ball rolls again in the Bundesliga, the professional men's team of 1. FC Union Berlin will travel on Monday, 05.01.2026, to the currently snow-covered Erzgebirgsstadion to face FC Erzgebirge Aue and aims to determine their fitness level in two sessions of 60 minutes each, starting at 18:30.
For over 20 years now, the Saxons have alternated between the second and third divisions, with sixteen years in the second division contrasted by seven seasons in the third division, where they recently finished in 14th, 6th, and 13th place. The club, which has recently introduced Michael Tarnat as its new Director of Sports, can still rely on its home strength despite concerns about relegation (16th place): they earned 16 points at home in the Erzgebirge, but only six on the road.
With five of the now total 22 points, Fußballclub Erzgebirge Aue e. V. went into the winter break in December: two draws (2-2 and 0-0) were followed by a confident 4-0 victory against the bottom team from Schweinfurt just days before Christmas.
“The first training session was okay, the guys have adapted well to the weather. Now we want to continue to get into it well and then we look forward to a great performance in Aue. We hope for good conditions, even though it will likely be very cold. It is a Friendly, which we are happy to accept, and it is also important that we can give all players 60 minutes on the pitch just before the match against Mainz,” said head coach Steffen Baumgart.
The team can look forward to the support of around 200 Unioners on Monday, additional tickets for the away section are still available through the away online shop of FC Erzgebirge Aue.
The approach is via the A 72, exit Hartenstein. Follow the signage "Guests" and drive along the B169 via Lößnitz to the guest parking spaces. It is not recommended to arrive using a navigation system. Unioners have the following parking option available: P8 (9-seater/passenger car - free). This parking lot is located in close proximity to the guest entrance.
The stadium opens at 16:30. Cash and card payment are possible at the away ticket office and catering stands. It is recommended to leave all bags, backpacks, etc. in the vehicles, as there will only be limited options for bag and backpack drop-off at the entrance.
Those who cannot be there live have the opportunity to follow the match via AFTV+ and as usual, Union will also provide updates through its club's own live ticker about the match.
