Turbine Potsdam were one of the most successful teams in national and international women’s football. They won the UEFA Women’s Cup and the Champions League in 2005 and 2010, respectively, along with six German championships and three cup victories. However, that last title was 14 years ago.

In the 2022/23 season, Turbine were relegated for the first time in their history. Although they won promotion immediately, they suffered a new low point last season, losing 21 out of 22 Bundesliga matches. With just one point, only five goals scored, and 73 goals conceded, they were relegated back to the 2. Bundesliga, and even there, things are not going according to plan. They currently stand in 10th place with 24 points – equal on points with twelfth-placed FC Bayern München II, who occupy the first relegation spot. Potsdam's top scorer of the current season is Rana Okuma with seven goals.

Three Unionerinnen from the current squad laced up their shoes for Turbine Potsdam in the past. Katja Orschmann played for the second team in the 2. Bundesliga from 2017 to 2020, while her twin sister Dina made 42 Bundesliga appearances and scored 12 goals for the first team from 2019 to 2022. Jenny Hipp was also trained in the youth setup in Potsdam and played there until 2017 in the second team.

There are also connections at the management level with the neighbors from Potsdam: Jennifer Zietz, Union's managing director for women's professional football, wore the Turbine jersey from 1998 to 2015 and captained the team on the field from 2006 to 2013. She was a key part of Potsdam's golden era. The same applies to the head coach for the upcoming season, Marie-Louise Eta: She joined the Turbine youth setup in 2005 and was also part of the Champions League winners in 2010 before moving to Hamburger SV a year later.

In addition to the ten players who have been called up for their national teams, Anna Aehling, Korina, Janež Leonie Köster, Mariann Noack, and Tomke Schneider will also be unavailable.

“We are happy to have another Friendly during the break to give the players who are not with the national teams some game time, but also to give them rhythm,” explained head coach Ailien Poese ahead of the match.

The ticket office at the Potsdam Sports Forum Waldstadt opens at 15:00. Only standing places are available for this match, costing five euros. There will be no advance sale.