Steffen Baumgart Declares Union Berlin Effectively Safe from Bundesliga Relegation: “Read the table and count the points.”

Following their 1-1 draw on Easter Sunday against St. Pauli, both head coaches expressed satisfaction with the point earned. Steffen Baumgart’s Union Berlin made significant progress towards securing their Bundesliga status. Now positioned 10th with 32 points, just one more victory in their remaining six games would guarantee another season of top-flight football in Köpenick.

Baumgart’s team has faced considerable criticism for their sparse two wins across the 13 matchdays played in the current 2026 calendar year. While some German media outlets had previously labeled them relegation candidates, others accurately assessed the league standings, never seeing Union in serious danger.

Baumgart adopted a slightly defensive stance during his post-match interview, correctly highlighting that his club's position was far superior to their opponents'. St. Pauli, conversely, face considerably more pressure. Alexander Blessin’s side are seven points adrift of Baumgart’s team, currently occupying the promotion-relegation playoff spot. The strain on Blessin was evident during a recent home loss against Freiburg.

Meanwhile, Union can secure the generally accepted Bundesliga safety benchmark of 35 points with a victory at Heidenheim next week. Their remaining schedule for the 2025/26 campaign also includes matches against Wolfsburg, Köln, Mainz, and Augsburg. Three draws remain a distinct possibility. Baumgart alluded to these facts while defending his team's frequently criticized, un-exciting playing style 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 have 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 present today for both teams. It’s hard 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 explained. “The result is nothing huge, but also nothing small. 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, 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 want to secure a win in Heidenheim. We’re in a very good position.”