1. FC Union Berlin are back at home at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Saturday December 15, with VfL Bochum the visitors to the German capital. The final home game of 2018 kicks off at 13:00.

Review: Union battle to draw, Bochum beaten at home

Urs Fischer’s side fought back in the second half against an industrious 1. FC Magdeburg side, who made life difficult for the Berliners at the MDCC-Arena on Sunday. Christian Beck gave the hosts a well-earned lead before the break, but Akaki Gogia came off the bench to fire Union on to level terms. Though the gap to 1. FC Köln has grown bigger to five points, Fischer’s men continue to show great character in adversity and have extended their unbeaten run to 16 games — 18 overall including the end of the last season.

VfL Bochum lost on Monday evening for the first time since the end of September. Robin Dutt’s side went down 3-1 at home to FC St. Pauli, who remain level on points with Union in fourth position. Bochum’s campaign has gone fairly well with Dutt stabilising the club’s fortunes following some difficulties in the 2.Bundesliga in seasons previously. They have been reliant on Tom Weilandt’s excellent contributions in attack, the 26-year-old scoring seven times in 14 appearances for the Ruhrstadion club.

Record: Union with strong upper hand in Köpenick

Bochum haven’t come away with three points from Berlin since July 2013, when Union were defeated on the first matchday of the 13/14 season. Union are strong against Bochum at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, winning 3-1 on the penultimate matchday of the last campaign when the Köpenick club remained locked in a relegation battle. Kenny Prince Redondo eased the pressure on the home side with a first-half opener, which was later followed by an injury-time strike from Steven Skrzybski — his last goal in the colours of Union before his transfer to Schalke. In late December 2000, Daniel Ernemann scored a 90th-minute winner as Union Berlin marched on to the semi-final of the German Cup — a competition where they would go on to appear in the final at the Olympiastadion against Schalke. 

Service: Tickets available

Fans who wish to get their hands on a ticket for Saturday's game can check out the online shop. Here is the direct link to purchase tickets.