Time to End the "Frankfurt Curse"
Union's Women's Last Home Game
Next Monday evening, the floodlights will be turned on one final time in 2025 when, in the final match of the first half of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga season, 1. FC Union Berlin host Eintracht Frankfurt. Kick off in the Stadion An der Alte Försterei is at 18:00.
The lie of the land
Eintracht Frankfurt have had a difficult returned to action from the international break. Last weekend, they lost 5-0 at home to FC Bayern München, before also losing the postponed match against 1. FC Nürnberg 5-3 on Wednesday.
Union, meanwhile, lost 3-0 away against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Despite a largely balanced match and having a slight advantage in terms of possession for Union, the taking of chances proved to be decisive on the day.
Eintracht have finished third in each of the past four Bundesliga seasons, and are therefore considered to be a part of the race for Champions League spots. After a rocky start to the season with three defeats in the first six matchdays, the form curve has clearly been trending upwards lately. Before the international break, Eintracht remained unbeaten in eight competitive matches in a row and climbed as high as fourth place, before the last two defeats pushed the Hessians back to sixth.
A cause for the mixed start to the season is also likely due to the fact that Eintracht had to undergo a significant restructuring in the summer. Seven of the 14 players with the most playing time from the previous season left the club, including internationals Stina Johannes, Sophia Kleinherne, and Carlotta Wamser. Captain Tanja Pawollek, of course, joined 1. FC Union Berlin.
On the other hand, one constant throughout this period remains head coach Niko Arnautis, the longest serving coach in the league, who has been in office since 2017. The 45-year-old cstill relies heavily on national striker Nicole Anyomi this season, who is the team's top scorer with six goals and four assists.
The teams faced each other for the first time in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 this time last year. Union’s women put up a great fight against the then Bundesliga runners-up and kept a clean sheet until the 83rd minute, when Tanja Pawollek headed Eintracht into the lead. In injury time, Barbara Dunst made it 2-0 for the guests.
Currently, five players in the Union squad have previously laced up their boots for Eintracht Frankfurt. Goalkeeper Cara Bösl comes from the Frankfurt youth system and made nine first team, and 43 U23 appearances between 2014 and 2024. Tomke Schneider was on the field 61 times for the U23s from 2020 to 2024. Anna Aehling (2022-2025, 36 games), Leonie Köster (2020-2023, 35 appearances), and above all Tanja Pawollek (2016-2025, 160 games for 1. FFC/Eintracht Frankfurt) were integral members of the top-flight team.
On the other hand, Eleni Markou returns to Köpenick. The Greek was part of last year's promotion team and made 26 competitive appearances for Union.
Union's coaching team will have to forego the services of Anna Aehling, Hannah Eurlings, Korina Janež, Leonie Köster, Mariann Noack, Tanja Pawollek, Naika Reissner, and Tomke Schneider on Monday evening.
“Eintracht Frankfurt are coming to the Alte Försterei, as one of the league's top teams. We want to be fully present from the first minute, build on the playing performance of the last matches, and defend aggressively and intensely,” said Union's head coach Ailien Poese during mid-week.
Tickets for the match are available for open sale at all Union ticket offices as well as online. The Stadion An der Alten Försterei opens its gates and the day ticket office at 16:30. Remaining parking spaces are available in front of the main stand for €8.
As usual, the Stadion An der Alten Försterei opens two hours before kick off. The match is sold out in both the home and away areas.
Public transport continues to experience extensive traffic disruptions. Access via the tram line "Altstadt Köpenick" is only possible with replacement bus services. Additionally, Hämmerlingstraße is closed to through traffic. Therefore, early arrival is strongly recommended.
The match will be broadcast live in Germany on DAZN, Sport1, and MagentaSport. Furthermore, Union will provide about the game events in the club's own live ticker, in german, as well as in English on Twitter. As always a comprehensive English match report will be published on the club website after the final whistle.
