1. FC Union Berlin's women's side continued their impressive Regionalliga Nordost winning streak with a 4-1 win at home against Magdeburger FFC thanks to goals from Zita Rurack, Sophie Trojahn, Lisa Heiseler and Dina Orschmann. It was a hard won victory, having gone into the break a goal down, and one that will have been particularly enjoyable, having suffered their first league defeat of the season in Magdeburg last year.

1. FC Union Berlin: Wagner - Wildner, Becker, K. Orschmann, D. Orschmann - Frank, Görsdorf (90. Reichenbach), Heiseler - Youssef (82. Bach), Rurack, Krauss (46. Trojahn)

Magdeburger FFC: Rudloff - Neumann, Münch (82. Träbert), Seidler (82. Nesimi), Steiger (67. Steiger), Krüger, Abraham (67. Alsleben), Temp, Cienskowski, Ellermann, Unzeitig (85. Prigge)

Goals: 0:1 Ellermann (8th), 1:1 Rurack (56th), 2:1 Trojahn (70th), 3:1 Heiseler (75th), 4:1 D. Orschmann (80.)

Attendance: 120

Early shock: Magdeburg lead at half-time

Compared to the 3-0 win in the derby against Türkiyemspor, Union's head coach, Ailien Poese, made a single change to her starting XI from that which began the 3-0 win against Türkiyemspor last weekend, with Lina Krauss coming in instead of the injured Naika Reissner.

Union started strongly, with Lisa heiseler shooting just wide of the target from close range after only four minutes. One minute later, Zita Rurack also squeezed a shot off, but her attempt from the edge of the penalty area also flew just wide.

So, the shock was all the greater when Magdeburg took the lead out of nowhere in the 8th minute. After a misplaced pass at the back, Magdeburg striker, Cora Ellermann, lifted the ball from 35 yards over keeper Melanie Wagner into an empty goal after eight minutes.

Five minutes later, Dina Orschmann had Union's best chance of the first half. But the acting left-back could only only hit the post. Union were struggling to find any gaps in Magdeburg's robust defense, despite having a lot of possession, and it was only shortly before the half-time whistle that they could carve out two further chances. First, Celine Frank shot just past the back post before, one minute later, Zita Rurack headed just wide. 

Union turn the game around

Union continued to dominate the game in the second half, almost scoring through substitute Sophie Trojahn ten minutes after the break, but she hit her shot straight at Magdeburg keeper, Florantine Rudloff. It was however a sign of the turning of the tides, with Union finally scoring only two minutes later. After Nour Youssef won the ball, Zita Rurack marched alone towards the Magdeburg goal and shot the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1.

Union women kept up the pressure, but Magdeburg continued their resolute defiance against the hosts. In the 70th minute, however, Trojahn - who had transformed Union's attacking momentum since coming on - dribbled past several defenders, keeping her nerve in front of goal to make it 2-1.

From there, things only improved for Union. In the 75th minute, the hosts were awarded a free kick about 25 yards out. While everyone was expecting a cross into the penalty area, Lisa Heiseler crashed the ball in under the crossbar with a vicious strike to make it 3-1.

With 10 minutes to pülay, Rurack passed to Dina Orschmann in the penalty area, whose direct finish also found the target. With that, Union's fourth, the game was effectively over. Union had further opportunities, but the score remained at 4-1 at the final whistle.

With 53 points from 22 games, Union remain 2nd in the table behind city rivals Viktoria Berlin (60 points). Third placed Türkiyemspor Berlin are three points behind the Eisern Ladies, but will play their game in hand next weekend. Union, however, still have the much better goal difference.

The coach's views on the game

"Magdeburg were the difficult team we expected, they have a very good counter-attacking game, which ultimately led to their early lead," said a delighted Poese after the final whistle. "They were also very compact and committed defensively. We really had our problems there, but we talked about it at half-time and found solutions. We did an excellent job in the second half and in the end we deserved to win. Of course we are totally relieved about this victory in what was a great game." 

The outlook

The next league match for Union is now in a fortnight's time when, on 7 May 2023, they travel to play FC Carl Zeiss Jena II. The Thuringians currently occupy 6th place in the table.

Before this clash, however, comes the 16th women's family day, which traditionally takes place on 1 May. The highlight of the programme is Union's friendly at the Alte Försterei against 1. FC Köln II. Kick-off is at 14:00. Entry is free.