Oliver Burke scores a stunning goal as Union Berlin beat RB Leipzig 3-1, ending a losing run and denting Leipzig’s Bundesliga title push.
Union Berlin claimed a surprise 3-1 home win over second placed RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. The result ended a run of three straight defeats for the hosts. It also slowed Leipzig’s momentum in the title race.
The match was played at Stadion An der Alten Försterei and Leipzig arrived in strong form after nine wins from 13 league games. Union started the day hovering just above the relegation places.
Leipzig dominated possession from the outset and controlled the tempo. Union were compact and focused on quick transitions. Clear chances were limited despite the visitors’ pressure.
Yan Diomande was Leipzig’s main threat before the break. The teenager forced a sharp save from Frederik Rønnow after a strong solo run. Christoph Baumgartner was also denied from a corner.
Union had moments of their own late in the half. Janik Haberer headed narrowly wide from a Derrick Köhn cross. The teams went in level despite Leipzig enjoying more of the ball.
The game changed shortly before the hour mark. Union pressed high and won the ball in midfield. Woo Yeong Jeong slipped a pass into Oliver Burke inside the area. Burke curled a stunning left footed shot into the top corner. The finish gave Union a deserved lead in the 57th minute. It was his first league goal of the season and one of real quality.
Leipzig responded almost immediately. Substitute Tidiam Gomis made an instant impact three minutes later. He took a touch from Conrad Harder’s pass and fired powerfully past Rønnow to level the score.
Union refused to retreat after the equaliser. Christopher Trimmel delivered a pinpoint cross from the right. Ilyas Ansah rose highest to head home from close range. The goal put Union back in front after a frantic spell. Three goals arrived in just under seven minutes. The home crowd responded with renewed belief.
Leipzig pushed for another response but found fewer openings. Union’s defensive shape improved as the half progressed. Rønnow remained largely untroubled.
Ansah’s goal proved decisive and capped a strong display. It was his fifth Bundesliga goal of the campaign. Four of those have come at home. Burke also impressed beyond his goal. He was Union’s fastest player on the day and carried a constant threat. Trimmel’s contribution off the bench was also crucial.
Union recorded an expected goals figure of 1.69. Leipzig finished with 0.5 despite their possession advantage at 63% possession. The hosts were more clinical in key moments, converting all their three big chances.
Leipzig committed numbers forward in stoppage time. That left space for Union on the counter. Andrej Ilić and András Schäfer combined to release Tim Skarke. Skarke finished calmly into the bottom right corner in the third minute of added time to put the result beyond RB Leipzig. The goal secured the points and ended Leipzig’s hopes. Union closed the match with composure.
The win moves Union further clear of the relegation zone. It also restores confidence after a difficult spell. Leipzig suffer only their third away defeat of the season. Union face another crucial league fixture next weekend when they play Koln as they look to build momentum. Leipzig will aim to respond quickly as the title race tightens, but they face a tricky fixture against a resurgent Bayer Leverkusen.
