Union Berlin faces potential record-breaking relegation in Bundesliga after 55 years.
SV Darmstadt 98 had been demoted for a while, and four more clubs were left hanging by a thread on the final matchday of the Bundesliga this weekend - it could be quite the theatrics. FC Köln, who weren't even in a position to avoid relegation, could have a particularly sour farewell to the top flight. The Champions League participants, Union Berlin, were at risk of a plummet down to the 2nd division, potentially the worst in the league's 55-year history. A steep drop from the tip-top to the second tier had never been seen before, except for maybe the 55-year-old relegation of 1. FC Nürnberg as German champions.
14th VfL Bochum (33 points, goal difference -29), away match against Werder Bremen
Bochum survives if... - Bochum doesn't lose
- or Mainz draws and Union doesn't win by a huge margin
- or Union doesn't win
Coach Heiko Butscher says, "I can put the other teams' results out of my mind. I'm only interested in our game." Of course, they'll give their all in their attempt to win, he confirmed, but, "There are many different scenarios for the weekend, and we're preparing thoroughly for any eventuality."
15th FSV Mainz 05 (32, -14), away match at VfL Wolfsburg
Mainz survives if... - Mainz draws and Union wins by less than a vast margin
- or Mainz draws and Bochum loses
- or Union doesn't win
Coach Bo Henriksen says, "We're not concerned with anything else. We've put ourselves in the shoes where we're in control. We're thinking about just ourselves." He added confidently, "As long as we show what we're capable of, I'm at peace. This is our moment to shine, where we can take the trophy."
16th Union Berlin (30, -26), home match against SC Freiburg
Union survives if... - Union wins and Mainz loses
- Union wins and Bochum loses
- Union wins by a massive victory and Mainz draws
Coach Marco Grote says, "My mindset hasn't changed. I believe in each and every one of these players. No one's staring at others' scores, but we'll be keeping tabs on the situation." He concluded, "Of course, we also have to consider the relegation play-off in the background, but the focus remains on Saturday's game."
17th 1. FC Köln (27, -29), away match at 1. FC Heidenheim
Cologne goes into the relegation play-off if... - Cologne wins and Union loses, with Cologne having made up four goals on goal difference*
Coach Timo Schultz says, "We're extremely confident. The entire team is full of vigor and eager to tackle Heidenheim. None of us will be checking on Union's game against Freiburg." He asserted firmly, "The vital factor is that we score the win."
* Only if Cologne scores five goals, three goals made up could potentially provide enough room - for instance, a 0-1 loss from Union and a 5-3 victory from Cologne.
Mon, Apr 25, 2022, 08:10 +0200~
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In the Soccer Bundesliga, VfL Bochum faces Werder Bremen in a crucial match for their survival, while Union Berlin hosts SC Freiburg with a potential record-breaking relegation on the line. If Union Berlin manages to win their match, they could secure their place in the Bundesliga for another season, defeating 1.FC Cologne, who are also fighting to avoid relegation, in the process.
Source: www.ntv.de
