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Home second leg against VfB Stuttgart

Preview:

Sun, 26. May 2019
Home second leg against VfB Stuttgart

1. FC Union Berlin wlll host VfB Stuttgart on Monday at 20:30 for the second leg of the Bundesliga relegation play-off with a place in next season's top-flight on the line.

The gates at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei will be open from 18:30.

Review: Union fight back twice in Stuttgart

Thursday's first leg was a nervy affair with a lot at stake both sets of players. As expected, Stuttgart looked keen to assert themselves at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and tee up an important advantage for the trip to Berlin. Christian Gentner did that with 41 minutes gone, but Union's character shone through with Suleiman Abdullahi levelling the game three minutes later. 

Mario Gomez was introduced at the break as the home side flexed the muscles of their strong first-team squad. The German international scored on 50 minutes with the aid of a deflection to give the Swabians the lead. Nico Willig's side could have pushed through their advantage with another goal, but Union survived with good defending and organisation. A bit of inspiration was required, and it came through Marvin Friedrich. The central defender rose highest in the box to head home Christopher Trimmel's corner kick after 67 minutes. Urs Fischer's men could have even gone on to win the game with Ron-Robert Zieler in inspired form to deny Sebastian Andersson on several occasions. 

Record: Advantage to Union

1. FC Union Berlin are the first side in seven years to score two goals against the Bundesliga side in the first leg of a relegation play-off. Fischer's side bagged two away goals, which could come in handy if the game is tied after 90 minutes. Extra time and penalties are also a possibility. Union have lost just one of their last 24 home league games, while Stuttgart have won one of the last 18 away league matches.

Personnel: Suspensions will mean changes

Fischer will be without the club captain Trimmel and midfielder Felix Kroos, both players suspended after picking up yellow cards in the first leg. Florian Hübner returns from his absence and could be an option once more in central defence. Fabian Schönheim and Eroll Zejnullahu are still on the sidelines with their respective fitness issues.

"The task has not become easier," noted Fischer in the pre-match press conference. "It was even in the first leg, but now we need another great performance from our side to achieve a good result. That's the only way we'll be able to win."

Service: No tickets left

After a chaotic week of ticket sales, the second leg was quick to sell out. There are no more tickets available for the game at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

As mentioned, the gates open at 18:30 to make the arrival of supporters as comfortable as possible.