Following the 1-1 Bundesliga draw on Easter Sunday between Union Berlin and St. Pauli, both head coaches expressed contentment with the single point earned. Steffen Baumgart’s capital city club made a substantial move towards securing their safety in the league by sharing the spoils. Now positioned in 10th place with 32 points, a single additional victory over their next six matchdays would be enough to guarantee another season of Bundesliga football in Köpenick.
Baumgart’s team has faced considerable criticism, having managed only two wins across the 13 matchdays played in the current 2026 calendar year. Some German media outlets had even labeled them as potential relegation candidates. However, various analysts, noting the mathematical realities of the league table, never considered Union to be in serious jeopardy. This perspective highlighted the club’s relatively stable position despite their challenging run of form.
During his post-match interview, Baumgart grew somewhat defensive, accurately pointing out that his club’s situation was significantly more favorable than their opponent’s. St. Pauli, in contrast, faces much greater pressure. Alexander Blessin’s squad is seven points behind Baumgart’s FCU and currently occupies the promotion-relegation playoff spot. Blessin’s evident stress was palpable during a recent home defeat against Freiburg.
Union, meanwhile, could achieve the commonly accepted “Bundesliga safety threshold” of 35 points with an away win at Heidenheim next week. The “Iron Ones” also have fixtures against Wolfsburg, Köln, Mainz, and Augsburg scheduled before the 2025/26 campaign concludes. Three draws remain a distinct possibility for them to secure their status. Baumgart referenced these factors, defending his team’s often pragmatic and un-exciting style of play in his interview.
Steffen Baumgart on Union Berlin’s “Track Back” Style
“I’m relatively certain that everyone who plays against us knows they don’t like playing against us because we employ simple and clear methods,” Baumgart stated. “Football isn’t just about slick back-heels and crisp one-two-three passing. Football is a combat sport where it’s all about intensity, willingness to run, and one-on-one battles. That was evident today for both teams. It’s difficult for me not to be satisfied.”
Baumgart Declares Union Safe from Relegation
“It [the 1-1 draw] qualifies as a ‘partial success,’ but it does maintain the gap with St. Pauli,” Baumgart remarked. “The result is nothing huge, but also nothing insignificant. I’m proud of my players for remaining brave and scoring the equalizer. Every game brings us closer to our goal. With every passing matchday, there are fewer points left to play for, especially for the clubs behind us.
“I find that interesting,” Baumgart continued, commenting on the relegation race. “It’s as if no one looks at the standings and no one counts the points. I look at the standings, the matchdays, and who’s playing whom. St. Pauli faces Bayern next week, and we aim to secure a win in Heidenheim. We’re in a very good position.”
