Glenn Coleman
Sep 20, 2023 - 10:05

Real Madrid vs Union Berlin: Toni Kroos to face off against his brother

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos' brother, Felix, who coaches Union Berlin's U19 side, will face his "football family" as the two teams meet in the Champions League.

Toni Kroos' upcoming match with Real Madrid in the Champions League has caught the attention of his brother, Felix Kroos, who will be watching from the sidelines. However, Felix won't be cheering for Toni and his team. Madrid is determined to reclaim the trophy they lost to Manchester City last season, and Toni is expected to contribute to their efforts, whether as a substitute or a starter.

Felix, a former player himself, spent four years with Union Berlin from 2016 to 2020, playing 108 games and scoring six goals before retiring. He even posed with Toni on the pitch, wearing a Madrid shirt, after the club's 2022 success. Currently, Felix serves as the assistant coach for Union Berlin's U19 side.

When asked about his thoughts on Wednesday's game, Felix admitted that it's difficult to know how to feel. On one hand, his family comes first, but on the other hand, Union Berlin is his "football family." In response, Felix predicted a 2-2 draw for the match, emphasizing the clash between his personal and professional allegiances.

The game will take place at the Bernabeu, and Union Berlin faces a tough challenge in their quest to advance from the group stage, with Sporting Braga and Napoli as their opponents. While Toni has achieved great success in his career, winning five Champions League titles, Felix's playing career didn't reach the same heights. Both brothers began their youth careers with Greifswalder SC and FC Hansa Rostock in Germany, but Toni's talent led him to Bayern Munich, while Felix played for Hansa's first team.

Felix later had stints with Werder Bremen and Berlin before retiring at the age of 30. Toni, on the other hand, won the Champions League with Bayern in 2013 before joining Madrid, where he has since won the title four more times.

The story of the Kroos brothers adds an intriguing dynamic to Wednesday's match, with family loyalty and football allegiances at odds. It will be a game filled with emotions as Toni and Felix face off on opposite sides.