Borussia Mönchengladbach are in eighth place with 26 points from 22 games and are therefore among a large group of teams for whom there is almost nothing left to play for in the remaining games of the 2. Liga season. They are eight points clear of the relegation places, while the 17-point gap to the promotion places put them out of reach. Gladbach are therefore likely to enter their third consecutive season in the second division next year, having been promoted from the Regionalliga in 2023. In the 2016/17 and 2018/19 seasons, however, Borussia did play in the top flight.

After the first half of the season, Borussia were still within striking distance of the promotion places, just seven points behind third place. In the second half of the season, however, the team from the Lower Rhine have failed to find their form, winning only two and drawing two of their nine games since Christmas.
Even winter signing Miray Cin, who joined from Bundesliga side SC Freiburg, has been unable to halt the downward trend in the second half of the season. The 23-year-old, who plays alongside Fatma Sakar in the Turkish national team, has made 58 Bundesliga appearances for Freiburg and MSV Duisburg in her career to date.

The goalless draw at Gladbach’s Grenzlandstadion the last time they met (also the first ever meeting between the two teams) ended 0-0. After an uneventful first half, Union created several big chances in the second half, but were lacking in front of goal and ultimately had to settle for the point. 

After facing her former club SV Meppen last weekend, where she also scored, Sarah Abu Sabbah will have another reunion this Sunday. From 2018 to 2022, the centre forward played for Gladbach, scoring 48 goals in 70 competitive games. 

Union head coach Ailien Poese will be without Maria Cristina Lange, Fatma Sakar, Leonie Köster, Sophie Trojahn, Ida Heikkinen and Judith Steinert on Sunday due to injury. Antonia Halverkamps is also unavailable after picking up her fifth yellow card against Borussia Mönchengladbach. 

“We are now on the verge of promotion, but we also know that Gladbach are a very athletic team who always press well and high up the pitch,” said Union’s head coach, Ailien Poese, ahead of Sunday’s game. “It's always nice to play at home, but when it's a game like this, the atmosphere is even better, of course. One thing is certain, we want to get the three points and secure promotion.” 

The Stadion An der Alten Försterei will open its gates and ticket offices at 11:30. On Sunday, entrance 3 will be open in addition to entrances 1 and 2. Tickets for the match are available for purchase and can be obtained at all Union’s Zeughaus stores as well as online.

To avoid queues at the entrances, please arrive in good time and use all entrances (entrances 1 to 3). The car park in front of the main stand is only open to guests with a parking ticket.