1. FC Union Berlin's final away match of the Bundesliga season sees the Köpenick club head to the Europa-Park Stadion in Freiburg for the first time since its opening in 2021.
A win in Freiburg confirms European qualification for 2022/23 with the final matchday at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on May 14 deciding which competition Union will go into.
Review — The last match:
Sven Michel equalised after 72 minutes as 1. FC Union Berlin drew 1-1 at home to Greuther Fürth. Stefan Leitl's side are heading back to the 2.Bundesliga next season but managed to take control of the first 45 minutes with a strong performance. Branimir Hrgota smashed in the opener after 33 minutes. Defender Dominique Heintz was substituted after 22 minutes following an injury with Julian Ryerson coming in to the back five. Tobias Raschl hit the crossbar for the visitors as Union struggled to get going. Andreas Linde blocked a chance for Taiwo Awoniyi in the second half but it was substitute Michel who would follow up with his goal and assist in Leipzig. Nick Viergrever made a mistake in his own box and Michel finished off with the goalkeeper out of position.
Freiburg — Opposition Report:
Christian Streich and SC Freiburg could wrap a sensational end to a particularly impressive domestic campaign with a place in next season's UEFA Champions League and the German Cup. Freiburg lead Leipzig by one point in the battle for fourth, while the two teams go head-to-head on Saturday May 21 at Berlin's Olympic Stadium for the prestigious Pokal. It has been a rollercoaster few weeks for SC Freiburg, who transferred Nico Schlotterbeck to Borussia Dortmund and signed Matthias Ginter from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Streich's side are four points ahead of 1. FC Union Berlin and would move a step closer to fourth with three points at the Europa-Park Stadion on Saturday.
Freiburg — The coach's view:
Fischer: "Sensational. Consistent. Always reacted when they have setbacks. The team works together, so hard to play against. They are doing a great job, are deservedly in the semi-final of the cup and in the race for Europe. It has been a sensational season for them."
Personnel:
1. FC Union Berlin will be without Timo Baumgartl for the game in Freiburg as he recovers from illness. There are question marks over Dominique Heintz's fitness after the defender stopped training prematurely on Wednesday. Andras Schäfer and Laurenz Dehl are doubts having suffered from COVID in the last week.
Service:
Union have sold out the away allocation of 2,700 for Freiburg on Saturday.
A special train will take fans to Freiburg and back. More information on arrival and departure times can be found here.
