# Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund match preparations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/union-berlin-squad-and-match-preparations > Updated: 2026-10-20T18:56:26.000Z. Sources: 180. Developments: 6. Union Berlin continues to manage roster challenges, specifically a shortage of physical strikers following the summer loan of Dmytro Bogdanov to Energie Cottbus. The club’s attacking options are further limited by the continued unavailability of Andrej Ilic. At Energie Cottbus, Bogdanov has served primarily as a substitute, scoring two goals including a late equalizer in a 4-4 draw against VfL Wolfsburg. In their sixth Bundesliga encounter, Borussia Dortmund was held to a 0-0 draw by Union Berlin. While the result provides stability for Union Berlin, it left Dortmund without a victory in three consecutive matches. Dortmund remained at the top of the table with 14 points despite the stalemate, which was characterized by high disciplinary tension and a significant injury to midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas. Following the draw in Berlin and a loss in Norway, the team traveled approximately 11,300 kilometers in a single week to face Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK in a Champions League matchday three fixture. Borussia Dortmund ended its slump with a 2-1 Champions League away victory against Sabah FK at the Baku Olympic Stadium. Serhou Guirassy scored both goals for the German side, including a decisive strike in the 53rd minute, marking Dortmund's first away win in the competition in nearly a year. Guirassy’s goals also made him the fifth highest-scoring African player in Champions League history. Following the match, the Dortmund squad reportedly declined to use the shower facilities at the Baku Olympic Stadium. Reports indicate the decision was made due to health concerns regarding potential Legionella bacteria contamination in the stadium's water system, leading the team to use facilities at their hotel instead. Manager Niko Kovač confirmed the team also avoided the showers after their training session the previous day. ## Claims - Borussia Mönchengladbach currently has zero points in the Bundesliga. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Borussia Mönchengladbach's coach Alexander Blessin criticized the team for playing cowardly football. (single source) - Goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas described the current situation as brutally frustrating. (single source) - Former professional Mario Basler expressed little hope that Borussia Mönchengladbach can avoid relegation. (single source) - Borussia Mönchengladbach has lost six consecutive matches. (single source) - The club lost 1-2 against TSG Hoffenheim. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Joey Veerman assists Borussia Dortmund victory in Azerbaijan Joey Veerman provided a key assist for Serhou Guirassy, helping Borussia Dortmund secure a 2-1 Champions League win over Sabah in Azerbaijan. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joey-veerman-assists-borussia-dortmund-victory-in-azerbaijan ### 2026-10-20: Borussia Dortmund defeats Sabah 2-1 in Champions League Serhou Guirassy scored twice to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 2-1 Champions League win over Sabah in Baku, amid reports that players avoided stadium showers due to Legionella concerns. 75 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/borussia-dortmund-defeats-sabah-fk-2-1-in-champions-league ### 2026-10-18: Konstantinos Karetsas suffers ankle injury during Dortmund match Borussia Dortmund midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas faces a potential multi-week absence following an ankle injury sustained during a match against Union Berlin. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/konstantinos-karetsas-suffers-ankle-injury-during-dortmund-match ### 2026-10-18: Borussia Dortmund defeats Sabah 2-1 in Champions League match in Baku Serhou Guirassy scored twice to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 2-1 Champions League victory over Sabah FK in Baku, ending a recent run of poor form. 56 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/borussia-dortmund-faces-travel-fatigue-and-injuries-ahead-of-sabah-fk-match ### 2026-10-16: Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund draw 0-0 amid Karetsas injury Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund drew 0-0 in the Bundesliga, but the match was marred by a serious ankle injury to Dortmund's Konstantinos Karetsas. 108 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/borussia-dortmund-prepares-for-union-berlin-with-squad-rotations ### 2026-09-28: Union Berlin faces striker shortage following Bogdanov loan Union Berlin faces a striker shortage following the loan of Dmytro Bogdanov to Energie Cottbus, where the Ukrainian forward has provided impactful substitute appearances. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/union-berlin-faces-striker-shortage-following-bogdanov-loan --- Cite as: Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund match preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/union-berlin-squad-and-match-preparations