Chemnitzer FC vs Union Berlin

Union Berlin dominated the opening half-hour of their third pre-season friendly, and the breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Andrej Ilić powered down the left flank and fed Marin Ljubičić, who produced the deftest of backheel flicks to beat the Chemnitz goalkeeper from close range — a goal Union's official site described as a "beauty."

The Bundesliga side should have doubled their lead before half-time but failed to convert several half-chances. Coach Mauro Lustrinelli used the interval to make all 11 substitutions, sending out an entirely different XI for the second period — standard pre-season practice.

The wholesale changes disrupted Union's rhythm. Chemnitzer FC, a Regionalliga side, grew into the game and found their equaliser in the 78th minute. Jonas Marx, introduced from the bench in the 64th minute, got on the end of a move to level the scores. Union's official website called it an "ironic equaliser" — Marx had been brought on to replace striker Ronny Berlinski and made the instant impact.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.

Lustrinelli's 11-man swap at half-time. The first XI had controlled the match and led 1-0, but the second-half XI — featuring a mix of youth and squad players — never reached the same level. The disrupted rhythm allowed Chemnitz to gain a foothold, and when Andrik Markgraf limped off with a knee injury in the 62nd minute, forcing Leopold Querfeld back onto the pitch after he had already played the first half, Union's defensive structure was further unsettled.

Marin Ljubičić (Union Berlin) — His 25th-minute backheel was the standout moment of quality in the match. The Croatian playmaker showed the composure and technique that makes him a Bundesliga-level talent.

Jonas Marx (Chemnitzer FC) — Introduced in the 64th minute, the substitute scored the equaliser 14 minutes later. His goal earned Chemnitz a deserved draw against opponents two divisions above them.

Andrej Ilić (Union Berlin) — The striker's tireless work down the left flank set up Ljubičić's opener. His physical presence caused problems for the Chemnitz defence throughout the first half.

Player of the Match: Marin Ljubičić (Union Berlin) — his goal was the match's defining moment of quality.

Union entered this match having scored 28 goals in their first two friendlies (12-2 vs Rathenow, 16-0 vs Lübben). The sharp drop to a single goal and a draw reflects the step up in opposition — Chemnitz play in the Regionalliga (fourth tier), while Rathenow and Lübben are fifth-tier (Oberliga/Landesklasse) sides. The 11-man half-time swap also played a role; Union's second XI lacked the cohesion of the starters.

The attendance of 5,213 was Chemnitz's highest for a pre-season fixture since 5,537 watched the 3-1 loss to Dynamo Dresden two years ago, per the club's pre-match announcement. Around 300 travelling Union supporters made the short trip from Berlin.

For Union Berlin, this was a reality check after two lopsided wins. Lustrinelli will have learned more from this 1-1 draw than from the 16-0 and 12-2 routs, particularly about his squad depth. The injury to Andrik Markgraf (knee) is a concern — the club offered no immediate update on the severity.

Chemnitzer FC, hosting their season-opening event, earned a credible result against a Bundesliga opponent. The Regionalliga side will take confidence from matching a top-flight team for long stretches.

Next fixtures:

• Union Berlin: vs FC Carl Zeiss Jena (A) — Sunday, 12 July 2026, 15:30 CEST. A reunion with former Union U19 and interim head coach Marco Grote, now in charge at Jena.
• Chemnitzer FC: Season continues with further Regionalliga preparations.

A tale of two halves. Union's first XI looked sharp and created the best goal of pre-season so far, but the second XI — and the injury to Markgraf — raised questions about squad depth. For Chemnitz, a deserved draw that showed they can compete with higher-level opposition. The pre-season cliché about results being meaningless holds true here; Lustrinelli will take the lessons, not the scoreline.