As the group stage of the Europa League nears its end, Union will play their final home game  tomorrow (Thursday, 27.10.2022) in a crucial tie against second placed SC Braga. The result will determine which European competition Union will play in after the winter break. Kick off in the Alte Försterei is at 18:45.

As things stand

Only one point separates Union (on six) from Sporting Clube de Braga (seven), the 2011 Europa League finalists. A win would see Union jump above them into second place and put the chance of a place in the Europa League final stages into their own hands, with only Royale Union Saint Gilloise to play.

A defeat, on the other hand, would mean the exact opposite. Braga would move a full four points clear, leaving Union with no chance of advancing further in this competition. They would have to console themselves with an already guaranteed place in the latter stages of the Europa Conference League

The opponents

Braga's form is currently somewhat up and down. Their eight game winning streak came to an end two weeks after beating Union at home, with a 4-1 away defeat to FC Porto. But following that they have suffered three defeats in a row, and needed a late equaliser to draw 3-3 against St. Gilloise.

After that bitter draw, the Portuguese got back on track with wins in the cup, the Taca de Portugal, and in the Primeira Liga. A more detailed opponent check can be read in the pre-match report from the away leg.

The personnel

Sven Michel is not available due to a positive Corona test. Otherwise, Urs Fischer has the entire Europa League squad at his disposal.

The coach's (and Sheraldo's) views ahead of the match

Head coach Urs Fischer wants to see his side make better use of their chances, certainly when compared to the first game in Portugal: "Braga are a very well organised team. So, compared to the first leg, we need to be more efficient. We simply have to take the chances that come our way. To do that, we need to be involved in the game from the first minute. Not only with, but also without the ball."

For Sheraldo Becker, a united team performance is needed against Braga: "We know from the first leg that it will be a difficult game. But we're at home this time, which makes it special. Tomorrow is not just about  [personally] scoring goals, we have to be ready in every aspect of the team."

Service info: Plan for after-work traffic on arrival

Union are expecting 350 visiting fans from northern Portugal to make it to berlin for the game. The stadium will open two hours before kick off. But due to the early kick off time (18:45), Union have asked fans to aim to arrive early, as it coincides with the general after-work rush-hour traffic.

The match will be broadcast live on RTL+. As usual, Union will also provide up to date information on the match on the club's own live ticker, as well as in English on Twitter.