This coming Sunday, the women's team of 1. FC Union Berlin (currently second in the table) are starring in the weekend's top match in the Regionalliga Nordost as they travel to Kreuzberg to play Türkiyemspor (in third). Kickoff in the Berlin derby the at Willy-Kressmann-Stadium in Kreuzberg is at 14:00.

The opponents

So far, Union and Türkiyemspor are level on 47 points in the Regionalliga Nordost - seven points behind leaders, Viktoria Berlin - in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Türkiyemspor, however, have only played 19 games, as opposed to Union's 20, and are to play their game in hand against 1. FFV Erfurt at the end of April. Union's goal difference is somewhat stronger, so Sunday's match is absolutely crucial for both sides.

Türkiyemspor, who were only promoted to the Regionalliga in 2020, finished in 2nd place behind rising Turbine Potsdam II last season, have proved to be particularly strong at home this year. They have won nine games at the Willy-Kressmann-Stadium in Kreuzberg this esason, drawing only once, against RB Leipzig II in December 2022. But they are still to face either Union or Viktoria there yet.

In addition to their strength at home, Türkiyemspor are characterised above all by defensive strength. With only 13 goals conceded - the same number as Viktoria - head coach Antonio Schmid's team have the joint best defense in the league. In their last match two weeks ago, Türkiyemspor won 3-1 at Bischofswerdaer FV.

The head to head

The last game between the sides at Dörpfeldstraße had everything. Union took an early lead, in front of almost 500 spectators, through Elisa Spolaczyk only for Türkiyem's Leyla Aydin to cancel it out. Union took the lead again just after half time through Marie Becker, before Lisa Heiseler scored a penalty shortly before the end to make it 3-1. But the result doesn't really show the superb, emotional rollercoaster of a game that it was. It was also Türkiyemspor's first defeat of the season, putting Union, briefly, top.

There have been six competitive matches between the two sides til now, Union winning four and Türkiyemspor, two.

The coach’s views ahead of the match

"We expect an absolute top match against very strong opponents in terms of play, who will demand everything from us," said Union's head coach, Ailien Poese in midweek. "At the same time, we are very much looking forward to this match in the Willy-Kressmann-Stadium and of course are hoping for good support from our fans."

Elisa Spolaczyk and Elisa Schindler will both be missing, joining Hannah Kratz, Luca Scheel and Pauline Wimmer in the treatment room. The appearances of Luise Wildner and Sophie Trojahn are also still questionable due to illness.