SV 07 Elversberg have one of the most extraordinary stories in German professional football in recent years. As recently as 2022, the club from the Saarland were playing in the Regionalliga. However, following promotion they embarked upon a straight run into the 2. Bundesliga, before ultimately achieving promotion to the Bundesliga last season.

Despite the change of manager in the summer of 2025, the team’s sporting progress has continued unabated. Vincent Wagner succeeded Horst Steffen, who had shaped the club for years. Under the 40-year-old, Elversberg continue to play bold, attacking football. The Bundesliga newcomers have already scored eight goals in their first four league matches.

The Bundesliga newcomers rely on a squad based around a mix of young talents and experienced professionals who played a key role in securing promotion. Alongside established key players such as Lukas Pinckert, ten further new signings – including Maurice Krattenmacher and Noah Darvich – have bolstered the squad since the summer transfer window. Most recently, Felix Keidel was called up by Jürgen Klopp to the national team squad, although he did not feature in any matches.

The head to head
Saturday’s clash marks the first time Union and Elversberg have ever met each other on the pitch

The reunion
For Frederik Schmahl, the trip to Köpenick marks a return to his former stomping ground. The SV Elversberg midfielder spent many years in Union’s youth academy, wearing the famous red-and-white shirt up to the U-19s. Now, the Berlin-born player is returning to the Alte Försterei for the first time as a Bundesliga professional and an opponent.

Union's coaching team will have to do without the services of Stanley Nsoki, Josip Juranović, and Andrej Ilić tomorrow.

“The international break did us good, said Union head coach, Mauro Lustrinelli, ahead of saturday's game. "We were able to use the time intensively to work on our processes and develop further in some areas. Our national players have also returned from their teams with positive experiences and a lot of confidence. We definitely want to carry this momentum forward. Elversberg have made a very convincing start to the season. They play boldly, have a lot of creativity in their game, and want to control the game with the ball. Additionally, they invest a tremendous amount of running. We need to be prepared for that. It will be crucial that we bring the right mentality and the necessary conviction to the pitch from the start. We want to show that we have everything it takes to succeed in this game.”

“Union will have regrouped during the break and will try to turn things around together,” responded Elversberg coach Vincent Wagner. “It’s a great stadium, and I also like the culture of the club. It will definitely be a good game and a big challenge for us.” He continued, “We're not that bad, and I really believe that we will get our chances. I'm looking forward to the next great away game at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.”

The Stadion An der Alten Försterei will open its gates two hours before kick-off; the match is sold out in both the home and away sections.  

There are still significant disruption to public transport and in the area around the stadium. The Hämmerlingstraße underpass is closed, as is the Waldweg. The footpath to the stadium runs alongside the Ballsporthalle.

There are no parking facilities available in the vicinity of the stadium.