A weekend of groundhopping in Germany began in Berlin on a Friday evening. Naturally the afternoon was spent getting acquainted with the various Brauhuases and Bars around the city before jumping on the U-Bahn to Kopenick, the nearest stop to 'Stadion An der Alten Försterei' The home of Union Berlin.
1.FC Union Berlin are one of two clubs that were formed from the original ironworks team SC Olympia 06 Oberschöneweide, who were based in the East of the city.
This club was a reasonably successful outfit until things came to a head when they reached the regional league finals in 1950. The team was refused permission to travel by the Soviet authorities, so the team fled to the West to take part in these finals (losing 7-0 to Hamburg) and these then became known as Sport-Club Union 06 Berlin. 
The club and players that were left behind in the East carried on under the original name before eventually becoming 1.FC Union Berlin in 1966. Both teams use the nickname 'Eiserne' (The Iron Ones) recognising the origin of both clubs.
Union Berlin were founder members of Liga 3 in 2008 and won the inaugural title in 2009, and with it promotion to Bundesliga 2.
The 'Stadium near the old Forester's House' (which is still used today as the club offices) has been the home of Union Berlin (and its forerunners) since 1920. It has terracing on three sides of the ground and a spanking brand new Main Stand makes up the other side.
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| The old forester's house |
Tonight was the opening of this new Main Stand and its construction has increased the Capacity from around 18,000 to around 21,000. This meant the crowd in attendance tonight was a season's highest. Looking across to the terrace where the visiting fans were housed, I'd say only about 50 or so had made the very long journey North East from Sandhausen to Berlin.
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| The new Main Stand |
The vast majority of the crowd would not have been disappointed as the home side registered a very comfortable win. Based on this performance it was easy to see why Sandhausen are currently in the relegation zone, as they offered little threat.
First half goals from Michael Parensen (6) and Torsten Mattuschka (32) from the penalty spot (pictured right) gave Berlin a 2-0 interval lead.
First half goals from Michael Parensen (6) and Torsten Mattuschka (32) from the penalty spot (pictured right) gave Berlin a 2-0 interval lead.
Barış Özbek (68) further extended Union's lead before Julian Schauerte (90) scored a consolation for Sandhausen with the very last kick of the game.
http://agroundhoppersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/sc-union-berlin-06-poststadion.html
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