1. FC Köln 5-0 Union Berlin: result and AI prediction

AI match recap

Köln enter a cup tie where home intensity and the crowd give them a clear platform, but their recent difficulty converting pressure into goals remains the central concern. Union have become harder to break down and carry a favourable recent record in this matchup, yet their defensive options are stretched by suspension and injury uncertainty. The match is also the first of two meetings between these clubs in a short span, so neither side will want to expose itself recklessly early. Expect Köln to push territory while Union seek direct breaks and set-piece leverage.

Head-to-head analysis

Union have had the stronger recent record in this fixture, losing only once across the listed recent meetings. Their last visit to the RheinEnergieSTADION also ended positively, while the most recent encounter finished level.

Injuries and absences

Köln’s reported absences remove depth at centre-back, midfield and centre-forward, increasing the creative and finishing burden on Johannesson, El Mala and the wide attackers. Union’s Uduokhai suspension is the clearest confirmed tactical blow, potentially leaving their defensive unit less robust against sustained box pressure.

Form (last 5)

1. FC Köln vs Union Berlin stats

Last meetings

• 2026-05-02Union Berlin 2-2 1. FC Köln
• 2025-12-201. FC Köln 0-1 Union Berlin
• 2024-05-111. FC Köln 3-2 Union Berlin
• 2023-12-20Union Berlin 2-0 1. FC Köln
• 2023-03-04Union Berlin 0-0 1. FC Köln
• 2022-09-111. FC Köln 0-1 Union Berlin

Other DFB-Pokal matches

• VfL Bochum – FSV Mainz 05
• SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach – FC Augsburg
• Hamburger SV – Eintracht Frankfurt
• Rot-Weiß Essen – RB Leipzig
• Borussia Mönchengladbach – Karlsruher SC
• Borussia Dortmund – Werder Bremen
• SV Elversberg – SV Darmstadt 98
• SC Freiburg – VfL Wolfsburg