Union Berlin and Ajax square off in the second leg of their Europa League playoff tie with both clubs feeling confident about progression to the last 16.

The first fixture in the Netherlands ended goalless, and the domestic form of each team means that there will be optimism ahead of Thursday’s clash at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.

Such has been the rise of Union Berlin that there is now disappointment if they draw any fixture, even when they are facing European giants such as Ajax.

That was particularly the case in the first leg with the German outfit having a goal disallowed by VAR, preventing them from returning home with a narrow lead.

Nevertheless, Urs Fischer’s team remain as the favourites to progress, even if they were held to a surprise 0-0 draw at home to bottom-placed Schalke 04 at the weekend.

Had they won that encounter, Union Berlin would be sitting at the top of the Bundesliga standings, and Fischer needs to find a way to lift his side after that frustrating 90 minutes.

After recording their first ever positive result against Dutch opposition in the first-leg with a 0-0 draw (D1, L2), Union Berlin doubled up on goalless draws against Schalke at the weekend to move level on points with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at the Bundesliga summit to claim a three-way share of the lead.

It’s now been 198 minutes since anyone scored in games involving Union, but something has to give here as the Iron Ones look to extend their club record-breaking season in Europe into the UEFA Europa League (UEL) last-16.

Despite their mini scoring drought, the Berliners remain unbeaten across all competitions in 2023 (W6, D2), and are also unbeaten at home dating back to Union’s UEL opener last September (W9, D2).

Whatever happens, don’t bank on a hefty result either way as four of Union’s last five wins came by a 2-1 scoreline, and each of their UEL group games ended 1-0 (W4, L2)!

Although the bookmakers dictate Union are favourites, Ajax won’t feel like outsiders given their European pedigree and solid all-time record against German opponents (W23, D8, L8).

That’s not to mention their 60% unbeaten rate against such opposition on German soil (W7, D5, L8), and the fact they’ve progressed from ten of their previous 12 two-legged ties against sides from across the border.

Key battle: Union keeper Frederik Ronnow has had precious little to do across their last two scoreless draws, making just two saves and none against Ajax in the first leg!

Whilst that is testament to the Iron Ones’ tenacious defence, Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus will hope to have a say after making six goal contributions in seven European appearances this season (G4, A2).

The Ghanaian forward also scored the last goal of the game in their 4-0 weekend win against Sparta Rotterdam before revealing a touching tribute to the late Christian Atsu.

Hot streak: Union have scored one or no goals in each of their last 11 European outings (W5, D2, L4).

Union Berlin Europa League form:

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Union Berlin form (all competitions):

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Ajax Europa League form:

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Ajax form (all competitions):

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With Ajax scoring goals for fun on the domestic front, they will believe that it can be transferred over to continental action. However, Union Berlin are stronger than any team in the Eredivisie, and we feel that will show as they edge their way through to the last 16.

Union Berlin possible starting lineup:

Ronnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Juranovic, Laidouni, Khedira, Haberer, Roussillon; Behrens, Becker

Ajax possible starting lineup:

Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Bassey, Wijndal; Alvarez, Taylor; Berghuis, Kudus, Bergwijn; Tadic