Union Berlin are special partly because they do not think they are special. Others have changed. They have not. The result is that this cult outfit, ostensibly one of the smallest clubs in the Bundesliga, have not only become unique – they are thriving. Since reaching the top division for the first time in 2019, they have earned a top-half finish and are now enjoying European football. Success is being sustained and they face wealthy neighbours Hertha Berlin on Saturday in the unlikely role of favourites. It is a lot to take in for fans who have long revelled in their role of outsiders. When the Berlin Wall went up in 1961, Union became an anti-establishment symbol in the east. While other clubs represented the military or secret police, this was the team of the workers. There are stories of supporters chanting for the removal of the wall when there was a free-kick – subtle acts of dissidence. That spirit remains, a culture that is focused on the fan rather than commercial int...