7 Sept, 2025

Union Frauen – First game in Bundesliga

Report by Arnfinn Kjos Eduardsen

It has been a long time in Berlin, in total almost 2 weeks. It started with dragon boat racing, then a trip to Dortmund in a British car one way, and a regional train back to Adlershof. On Sunday, September 7th, Union’s women are in focus, in the club’s first-ever Bundesliga match.

After we won the 2. Bundesliga in May, few clubs have received as much attention from the press (including podcasts). Union Frauen are described as a new force in German women’s football, not just a typical promoted team. They are predicted to finish somewhere between 3rd and 7th place in this year’s edition of the top league – high rankings for a newcomer!

As most people know, I have been to many women’s matches, but this day is special no matter what. Now it’s the Bundesliga that counts!

In addition, I will do something I haven’t tried before – I will bring Bamsegjengen’s banner, and the goal is to get it placed along the fence outside Sector 3 – hopefully well positioned and visible both for the crowd at AF and for those watching the match on TV.

Sunday morning brings good Norwegian summer temperatures, I could have gone to Köpenick in just a T-shirt, but to make room for the banner I put on a red windbreaker, which is actually a bit too warm. The banner barely fits into one of the pockets. And because of the banner I have to use the entrance at the front of AF (right by Zeughause). There is the fan office, which helps me further.

The banner was set up. It’s a bit strange to be able to walk onto the pitch before the match, but that’s how it’s done.

The match started tough, with good play from both teams, even though we had higher possession. From time to time 1. FC Nürnberg had a few dangerous raids towards goal, but we had many more.

In the 41st minute we got a penalty, and Heiseler put the ball in the net. For the rest of the first half and most of the second half, we were even more dominant. The ball was mostly on the opponent’s side, but there were no more goals until the 90th minute. And unfortunately, it wasn’t us who scored, but Nürnberg who equalized. Thus, the match ended 1-1.

It was bitter to lose the win, but the way we played bodes well for the coming matches.

11,242 spectators watched the match, including about 30 from the away team. The atmosphere throughout the match was worthy of Union – full pressure!

And the banner came back “home” to Adlershof and will probably show up again at another match later this autumn.

EISERN!

Arnfinn Kjos Eduardsen – Bamsegjengen