With Gütersloh’s relegation, a true second division stalwart is leaving the league. After twelve uninterrupted years in the 2. Liga, the club from East Westphalia will play in the Regionalliga West for the first time in their history next season, ending a run in the second division that was broken only once, with Bundesliga promotion in 2012/13, since their foundation in 2009. With their 162nd second division game, an era is now coming to an end for a side who, until recently were the leader in the all-time 2. Liga table.

Little has gone right for an FSV side who were still considered one of the promotion candidates before the season started. They finished the first half of the season in 11th place, but at could at least count on a four-point lead over the relegation. Since Christmas, however, the second division stalwart have only picked up four points and have been in a relegation spot since the 16th matchday. Even the change of coach in March from Daniel Fröhlich to sporting director, Markus Graskamp, failed to turn things around. The 3-1 home defeat on matchday 24 at FC Ingolstadt 04 sealed the team's fate.

It is encouraging that FSV Gütersloh 2009 will continue to play football beyond the summer. Thanks to a successful fundraising campaign, which raised the 80,000 euros needed, the club's future is secure for the time being at least.

For Union, it's come full circle: the 2024/25 competitive season began against FSV Gütersloh. In August 2024, Union won 6-4 on penalties in a dramatic match in the first round of the DFB Pokal. Union won the league duel at home in December, 3-1.

It was their first ever league win against FSV, having lost all four previous second division matches in the 2014/15 and 2016/17 seasons.

Union's head coach Ailien Poese will have to do without Maria Cristina Lange, Leonie Köster, Sophie Trojahn, Ida Heikkinen, Elli Seiro, and Naika Reissner on Sunday.

“We are aware that Gütersloh have unfortunately already been relegated. But that can also be dangerous, perhaps it will unleash new forces," said Union's head coach, Ailien Poese. "Therefore, we are fully focused and concentrating on what we want to show during the match: playing joyful football and earning the three points. The fact that so many tickets have already been sold for the game shows the appreciation, and we are sure that this encounter at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei will be something special. We are prepared and know that the opponent will not give us anything.” 

Tickets for the match are available for general sale in all Union Zeughäuser and also online. The Stadion An der Alten Försterei opens its gates and the ticket office at 12:00.

After the match, there will be a big end-of-season celebration in front of the main stand with both professional teams under the motto “Union celebrates first class.” The teams are expected on the balcony around 17:00, and live music will start on the stage at 17:30. More information on the program schedule and other important service notes can be found here.