On the 23rd matchday of the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen lost 0‑1 at home to Union Berlin, leaving them at the bottom of the group chasing Bayern Munich.
The match started with energy; Union created early chances, but a precise left‑wing supply from the Leverkusen corner was narrowly intercepted. Leverkusen struggled at first to impose structure on their attack, but gradually grew into the game. The first half featured numerous duels, several early bookings and a plethora of set‑pieces for both sides.
Leverkusen held more possession yet found very few gaps against the compact hosts. Long‑range shots and central passes failed to create clear danger, while Union waited for counter‑attacks, capitalising on one that broke the deadlock. In the 28th minute, a quick switch after a seemingly innocuous Leverkusen corner launched a swift counter from the right flank. Defender Rani Khedira out‑dressed his marker, lifting a low cross from a tight corner over the rushing goalkeeper and into the net, putting Union 1‑0 ahead.
Until half‑time Leverkusen pressed, but decisive chances remained scarce. A free kick from around 20 metres sailed over the bar, and several headed attempts after set‑pieces missed the mark. With the slender victory for Union, the match proceeded to the break.
After the switch Leverkusen increased the intensity. Manager Kasper Hjulmand early on made a three‑substitution change, delivering fresh attacking options. The visitors shifted the play into the Berlin half, searching for width and long‑range shots to spark a comeback. Several moments approached danger-the rebound of a chipped ball nearly crossed into their own net, but Union’s goalkeeper deflected it cleanly with his foot.
Shortly thereafter the visiting side earned a penalty after a striker fouled inside the box, but the referee allowed play to resume, and the video assistant referee did not intervene. Union continued to be threatening on counters, though their setup was not precise enough to convert. Counter‑attacks on Leverkusen’s side were plentiful: a corner header was cleared by the goalkeeper with a glove, and a sharp angled shot was expertly parried. The Berlin defense persisted in defending the space and fighting passionately.
During the final quarter, Leverkusen surged forward with all effort. Multiple crosses reached the box, yet either lacked accuracy or were obstructed by a defender. In the 82nd minute Union had a near‑win; the effort was blocked at the last moment and a subsequent rebound was clipped to the line.
In added time Leverkusen had a prime opportunity to level: a passing move from the left found a striker in the 5‑meter area who nearly headed the ball over the bar. Soon after, another header from a right‑wing cross hit the post beyond the corner flag. Even with seven minutes added, the visitors could not find the equaliser. Union’s defense held the 1‑0 lead with great determination until the final whistle.
The result leaves Leverkusen in sixth place, while the struggling Union end up ninth. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich were steady against Eintracht Frankfurt, concluding 3‑2, whereas Dortmund were under pressure in Leipzig. Other Saturday afternoon results included Wolfsburg 2‑3 Augsburg and Köln 2‑2 Hoffenheim.