On Wednesday night, two underdog teams who no one expected to be here will go head to head in the Champions League! German club Union Berlin will host Portuguese team Braga in what should be a really fun and entertaining match.

Union Berlin isn't one of the famous big teams in Germany. But they've been amazing so far in their first ever Champions League. 

In their opening match against mighty Real Madrid, Union Berlin were brave and attacked from the very start. They really took the game to Real, not sitting back scared. Even though they lost, Union Berlin showed they can compete with Europe's best.

Meanwhile, this is also Braga's first Champions League campaign. And they were also fearless in their first match away to Italian side Napoli. Braga's young players pressed Napoli hard early on and showed no fear. 

They ended up losing too, but proved they belong at this level. Both these teams will gain confidence from their opening matches.

When they face each other in Berlin, it's hard to predict a winner. Union Berlin has home advantage. But Braga have an exciting young team. 

Union Berlin vs Braga

The match will take place on Wednesday, 3rd October, 2023, at Olympiastadion

Union Berlin Bravely Rise to the European Stage

Rather than sitting back overawed by mighty Real Madrid, Union Berlin took the game to the hosts right from the outset. Their courageous high press disrupted Real's early rhythm.

Fearless Start Belies Reputation

The minnows from Germany backed themselves and showed no inferiority complex against one of football's super clubs. Union Berlin have proven they belong at this level based on skill, not luck.

Organized Resilience Frustrates Madrid

As Real eventually took control, Union Berlin dropped into an organized mid-block and restricted space in central areas. They conceded possession but kept their shape well.

Union Berlin's cohesive defensive structure forced Real Madrid to play in front of them. The underdogs displayed real maturity to deny Real's array of stars time and space in the final third.

Set Pieces Provide Hope

Union Berlin's best opportunities came from dead ball situations. Captain Christopher Trimmel provided a constant threat from wide free kicks.

On another night, the visitors could have punished Real's lapses of concentration from these dangerous set pieces. Union Berlinidentified an area to target and nearly capitalized.

Pride in Defeat

This narrow defeat provided valuable big stage experience, despite the disappointment. Union Berlin stood toe-to-toe with European royalty for long periods.

The players and supporters will gain belief that they can compete at this level. Building on this brave performance, Union Berlin's maiden Champions League campaign promises many exciting moments.

Braga Arrive Full of Confidence

In their first ever Champions League match, Braga were buzzing with energy and excitement against Napoli. Right from the start, they pressed Napoli aggressively and didn't seem scared at all.

Just the Beginning for Braga

Reaching the Champions League group stage is only the start for Braga. Doing well at this level will help them sign better players and keep improving. With talented youngsters from their academy and some clever new signings, the future looks bright for Braga. The more European experience these players get, the better they will become.

No Fear Against the Giants of Napoli

Instead of sitting back nervously against famous Napoli, brave Braga immediately took the game to their hosts. Their pressing early on disrupted Napoli and showed amazing confidence for such a young team. Even though Napoli are one of Italy's best clubs, Braga proved they shouldn't be underestimated.

Set Pieces Can Be Their Secret Weapon

From free kicks and corners, Braga caused Napoli problems all match. Their captain Esgaio whipped in dangerous balls, while big defenders attacked them. A goal from a corner got Braga back into the match. Set pieces could be a key weapon for them in Europe.

Young Midfielders Make Their Mark

Teenagers Racic and Al Musrati were everywhere in midfield for Braga with their non-stop running and passing. They didn't let the big stage scare them against their more famous opponents.

Threatening Deliveries from Dead Balls

Braga had a clear plan to use their quality from set pieces against Napoli. Esgaio's excellent crossing and headers from big men like Tormena kept Napoli's defense busy. Their goal from a near post corner paid off their hard work.

Tough Defense Frustrates Napoli

As Napoli took over the game, Braga dropped back and kept their shape so well. They worked hard as a team to stop spaces opening up for Napoli's star attackers to run into. For such a young team, Braga's defending was very mature.

Fresh Legs from the Bench

Chasing the game late on, Braga's manager made brave attacking substitutions like Vitinha and Piazon. Their energy and passing almost earned Braga an equalizer against tiring Napoli.

Plenty of Positives Despite Defeat

Losing narrowly to experienced Napoli will only benefit these young Braga players. They stood up strong for long periods against giants of Italian football. Everyone at Braga will now believe they can compete in the Champions League, which is an exciting thought

Predicted Lineups

Union Berlin: Ronnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Juranovic, Laidouni, Kral, Aaronson, Gosens; Fofana, Behrens.

Braga: Matheus; Gomez, Oliveira, Fonte, Borja; Moutinho, Musrati; Horta, Djalo, Bruma; Banza

Key Battles

Some key battles to watch are Union Berlin's defender Knoche against Braga's tricky winger Ricardo Horta. Whoever gets the better of this matchup could help their team to victory. Also keep an eye on the midfield battle between Braga's albino Al Musrati and Union's experienced captain Christopher Trimmel.

Conclusion

This match promises to be a tight contest between two underdog teams trying to make their mark in their first Champions League. With both desperate for points after losing their opening games, neither side will hold back. Expect end-to-end action and lots of goalmouth action! No matter who wins, just seeing the minnows of Union Berlin and Braga compete at this level is really inspiring.