1. FC Union Berlin will begin the chase for Europe on Friday when relegated Greuther Fürth travel to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Review – The last match:
1. FC Union bounced back from midweek German Cup defeat in Leipzig to come back and beat Domenico Tedesco’s team in the Bundesliga. After a good first-half showing, Union were handed a blow when Yussuf Poulsen scored inside a minute of the second half. But the Köpenick side showed their character to fight back and give themselves a massive chance of qualifying for a second year running for European football. Sven Michel and Kevin Behrens were the super subs on the day, scoring one each to give Union a first Bundesliga victory at the Zentralstadion.
Greuther Fürth – Opposition Report:
A 1-4 defeat confirmed Greuther Fürth’s relegation to the 2.Bundesliga with three matches to spare. Ironically, Havard Nielsen’s goal on December 12 secured Fürth’s first Bundesliga win – against Union. The warning signs are there for the Köpenick club but the season’s efforts wouldn’t prove to be enough for Stefan Leitl’s team. At home Fürth secured victories over Mainz and Hertha, but just 17 points from 31 matches has seen them go back into the second division.
Greuther Fürth – The coach’s view:
“Everyone who plays in the Bundesliga has earned it. Relegation is always a difficult situation, of course. But I assume that everyone at Fürth will show themselves again despite the relegation and want to finish the season with decency. Above all, we have to look at ourselves and take the game seriously,” said Urs Fischer.
Personnel:
Urs Fischer confirmed at the pre-match press conference that Timo Baumgartl and Andras Schäfer are absent through illness.
Service:
There will be serious disruption to tram lines around the stadium and supporters are encouraged to use all available routes to Köpenick and arrive early.
The official Secondary Ticket Market is open for members and season ticket holders.
Friday’s game kicks off at 20:30 CEST.