1. FC Union Berlin have a final crack at qualification for the UEFA Europa League next season when VfL Bochum come to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Saturday May 14.
Review – The last match:
Urs Fischer’s team ran out 4-1 winners at Freiburg on Saturday to book Union’s place in European football for the second successive season. At a minimum, 1. FC Union Berlin will play in the UEFA Europa Conference League, but still have a shot at the Europa League competition. Grischa Prömel, Christopher Trimmel and Sheraldo Becker fired Union into a half-time 3-0 lead. Lucas Höler pulled one back in the second half with the confirmation of VAR, but it proved a consolation for Christian Streich’s team. Substitute Andras Schäfer capped off an incredible Saturday in the south-west of Germany with the Hungarian running through to make it 4-1.
Bochum – Opposition Report:
Bochum have made their Bundesliga status safe for the 22/23 season. Thomas Reis’ team celebrated a sensational 4-3 derby win at Borussia Dortmund a fortnight ago before returning to beat Arminia Bielefeld on home soil last week. With 42 points on the board, Bochum have pushed through the magic survival threshold and have secured themselves a comfortable mid-table position in the Bundesliga.
Bochum – The coach’s view:
“It was really clever of Thomas and Bochum to adapt their style,” said Urs Fischer in the pre-match press conference. “They are a really aggressive side, they give everything, they push high. They play a lot of longer balls and win off second balls, there’s pace out wide. With Sebastian Polter, there’s a target man and with his physique he is not easy to defend against. Compliments to Bochum for an excellent season.”
Personnel:
Timo Baumgartl and Frederik Rönnow are known absentees from the week. Dominique Heintz is doubtful as he hasn’t trained fully with the squad, but there is a chance for him to take part tomorrow. Laurenz Dehl is suffering from illness.
Service:
After the match on Saturday, the beer gardens around the stadium will remain open. The team is expected to come out to the balcony at the main stand at 18:30. Food and drink is available for supporters attending the celebration of the team.