FC Winterthur vs Union Berlin

The three-minute spell between the 57th and 60th minutes defined the contest. Winterthur's opener forced Union Berlin to respond immediately, and they did — through a penalty awarded for a handball offence. Kemlein's composure from the spot ensured Lustrinelli's side did not leave Switzerland empty-handed, but the rapid-fire nature of both goals meant the game settled into a substitution-heavy stalemate thereafter.

• Aljoscha Kemlein (Union Berlin) — The midfielder scored the equalising penalty and was one of Union's livelier performers before being substituted on 65 minutes. His ability to keep his cool from 12 yards, three minutes after Winterthur's goal, prevented a second consecutive pre-season defeat.
• Yannis Odin (FC Winterthur) — Took his goal well to break the deadlock and was a threat throughout his 71 minutes on the pitch, providing the quality in the final third that Winterthur had lacked in the first half.
• Antonio Spagnoli (FC Winterthur) — The goalkeeper recovered well after an early error to make several important saves, including stops from Ansah and Burke in the opening 12 minutes.
• Brian Beyer (FC Winterthur) — Hit the post in the first half with a well-struck effort and occupied Union Berlin's centre-backs with his physical play.

Player of the Match: Aljoscha Kemlein (Union Berlin)

Both sides hit the woodwork once in a first half that was more open than the 0-0 scoreline suggests. Union Berlin's high press and wide play — hallmarks of Lustrinelli's early work — created the better chances in the opening period, but Winterthur grew into the game after the break. The raft of second-half substitutions (17 in total) made the closing 30 minutes a disjointed affair, with neither side able to sustain pressure. The 1-1 draw was a fair reflection of a contest in which both teams had spells of control but lacked the cutting edge that comes with full match sharpness.

For FC Winterthur, this was the final pre-season friendly before their Challenge League campaign begins on 24 July against Yverdon. The draw against a Bundesliga side represents a solid dress rehearsal, with Odin's goal a positive sign after a 1-1 draw against SC Brühl on 14 July in their previous outing.

For Union Berlin, the result continues an inconsistent pre-season under Lustrinelli, who took over as head coach in the summer. The Eisernen lost 2-0 to Carl Zeiss Jena on 12 July and drew 0-0 with Chemnitzer FC on 9 July, having beaten FSV Optik Rathenow 4-0 on 4 July. Union's next friendly is against FC Aarau on 18 July as they continue preparations for the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.

A typical pre-season friendly: energetic and competitive for an hour before dissolving into a parade of substitutions. Winterthur will take confidence from matching a Bundesliga opponent, while Union Berlin's attacking rhythm remains a work in progress under Lustrinelli. The Swiss coach will want more from his forwards in the final friendlies before the season begins.