After the team of 1. FC Union Berlin completed the first training session on the pitch yesterday, the first two test games of the year were on the schedule today. The coaching team divided the squad into two teams with different daily routines: While the first group started with breakfast at 8:15 a.m., the second one could to sleep a little longer. After a brief meeting, the first team made their way to the training ground to compete against the Belgian second division club OH Leuven.

Group number two also came together for a meeting, followed by breakfast. Most players used their free time to watch their teammates' game on the training ground.

The game started fast-paced by both teams, however no goals were scored in the first half. In the second half, Robert Andrich brought Urs Fischer's team into the lead with a remarkable shot (66’), ten minutes later Isaac Asane equalized with a shot from 16 meters distance (76.). Union answered in return: After a pass from Christopher Lenz, Sebastian Polter pushed the ball over the line (77’). The game ended with a 2:1 victory for Union. Afterwards the team went for a relaxed run to cool down, followed by a lunch.  The afternoon was used for regeneration.

Manuel Schmiedebach, who played the full time in the morning, left the training camp early and went back to Berlin to be able to attend the birth of his second child. Young player Tim Maciejewski also had to say goodbye to his team for now, the 18-year-old flew back home due to illness.

In the second test game against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise - also Belgian second division club - Urs Fischer played in a 4-4-2 system again. Sheraldo Becker brought his team into the lead with a powerful shot in the 14^th minute, Anthony Ujah scored the second goal minutes before the half-time break (37’). In the second half, Saint-Gilloise quickly caught up to 1: 2 (53’), shortly before the final whistle Sigurd Haugen equalized for the 2:2 final score.

At the end of the day, the whole team joined for dinner. Afterwards all players went to rest in their rooms.

Tomorrow the day starts with breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by a regenerative training session at 11 a.m. on the training ground of Campoamor.