Rani Khedira's first-half strike propelled Union Berlin to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The crucial Bundesliga clash saw the home side dig deep to secure three vital points against a dominant Leverkusen outfit, halting their strong run.
Union Berlin entered the match seeking to improve their patchy recent form, sitting ninth in the league standings. In contrast, sixth-placed Bayer Leverkusen arrived with confidence, looking to cement their European qualification hopes.
The game began with immediate intensity, as Union Berlin quickly collected two yellow cards. S. Nsoki was cautioned in the third minute for tripping, followed by J. Haberer receiving a yellow for roughing just seven minutes later.
Haberer's early booking prompted a swift tactical response from the Union bench. He was substituted in the 11th minute, making way for Christopher Trimmel to enter the fray and stabilize the midfield.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute. Aljoscha Kemlein threaded a precise pass to Rani Khedira, who expertly drilled his shot past the Leverkusen goalkeeper, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Leverkusen, despite controlling possession, struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances. Union’s robust defense, though accumulating more cards like A. Ilic's yellow in the 44th minute, remained resolute.
At halftime, Union held their slender lead, knowing they needed to maintain their defensive discipline. Leverkusen, for all their possession, needed to find a way to penetrate the committed Union backline.
The second half saw Leverkusen intensify their attack, pushing forward for an equalizer. However, Union's defensive resolve held firm, even as L. Querfeld added to the home side's yellow card tally in the 60th minute for roughing.
Leverkusen's manager, Xabi Alonso, introduced five attacking changes between the 61st and 81st minutes, bringing on Arthur, C. Kofane, E. Fernandez, L. Bade, and M. Tillman. Union also made tactical adjustments, with Jeong Woo-Yeong, I. Ansah, and T. Skarke entering the game in the later stages.
As the clock wound down, the match grew increasingly heated. J. Hofmann received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 84th minute, followed by R. Andrich for roughing in the 88th.
Union goalkeeper F. Ronnow also saw yellow deep in injury time for delaying the game, a clear sign of the home side's commitment to secure the win.
Despite Leverkusen's persistent efforts and superior possession, they registered only one shot on target from their twelve total attempts. Union Berlin defended their lead valiantly until the final whistle, securing a significant victory.
