Some spectators had not even taken their seats when it was already 1-0 for the guests: Tim Skarke, today's captain, won the ball early and sent Marin Ljubičić into space. The striker remained cool in front of the goalkeeper and scored just under 30 seconds into the match for an early lead.

After about ten minutes, VSG ventured forward decisively for the first time. Jonas Saliger shot from the edge of the penalty area after a quick feint but only hit the outside of the post. Shortly afterwards, the hosts created further opportunities: First, Tim Rieder failed with a low shot against Union keeper Matheo Raab, and shortly after, Sydney Mohamed Sylla sent the ball from close range into the side netting (23rd minute).

VSG kept pressing – and was rewarded: A cross from the halfway line was converted by Jonas Nietfeld with a precise header into the far corner to equalize (35th minute). Union pushed again in the minutes before halftime for a renewed lead, but a long-range shot by Wooyeong Jeong sailed just over the crossbar (38th minute). The match went into the break with a 1-1 draw.

The change of sides saw a cages re-start to the game, though the first significant chance fell to VSG. After a corner, substitute, and former Rostock player, Damian Roßbach rose highest but headed the ball over Carl  Kaus's bar.

The chopping and changing from both sets of coaches interrupted the flow of the game, also reducing the number of clear chances. However, when Paul-Vincent Manske powered down the right flank and laid the ball in the middle for his brother Johannes, the hosts looked set to take the lead. Again, Klaus was well placed to clear the danger. 

Wooyeong Jeong then hit a free kick from  the left. His shot was true, and heading towards the far corner, but VSG goalkeeper Luis Zwick was alert to it and tipped the ball over the crossbar. Five minutes later, Union had their best opportunity of the half when Oliver Burke foundhimself free in front of Zwick after a neat one-two but failed to beat the goalkeeper. The follow-up from Ljubičić flew just wide. 

That the spoils were shared, seemed  about right in the end. 

“The most important thing was to play for 90 minutes. As a team, we performed well, even though many guys from the U19 were involved. After the quick lead, we certainly imagined it differently, but Altglienicke showed that they can indeed play football,” said Tim Skarke in conclusion after the final whistle.

“I think we cannot be completely satisfied. Games like this are decided in the mind, so it's a matter of how you approach it. In conjunction with the guys from the youth team, you could see that the routines are, of course, not as well coordinated. Nevertheless, we left everything on the pitch,” added Matheo Raab afterwards.

“There were many boys today who haven’t played for 90 minutes in a long time. Additionally, many players from the youth team. What was important for me was that they particularly held their ground well in the second half, after all, it was against a very good Regionalliga team,” is the analysis of head coach Steffen Baumgart after the match.