Cedric Teuchert scored the winning goal on 88 minutes as 1. FC Union Berlin defeated Europa League participants Bayer Leverkusen by a single goal at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
As Urs Fischer's men celebrated their 50th game in Germany's top flight, the Köpenick added another impressive scalp to the list following draws against Bayern Munich, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Wolfsburg and a win over Borussia Dortmund.
Substitute Teuchert picked his moment with two minutes to play firing past Lukas Hradecky.
Urs Fischer's only change from the 2-2 draw at home to Wolfsburg was to re-introduce Grischa Prömel to the starting line-up following suspension. The Köpenick club had to battle to gain control of the match in the first few minutes after a strong start from Peter Bosz's men, who occupy a Champions League position in the Bundesliga – four points better off than Union. Rob Andrich threatened to unlock the Leverkusen defence with a long-range shot, but Leverkusen's Lukas Hradecky was on his toes. Despite the visitors seeing more possession sequences, Union's defensive organisation was robust. Christopher Trimmel's dead-ball quality was an important weapon for Fischer's side in the other penalty box and after 15 minutes, Marvin Friedrich headed from close range against the post. Just as Union Berlin had found a rhythm, there was a setback for Fischer's side when Edmond Tapsoba clashed with Sheraldo Becker after the two clashed for a header in the middle of the park. Becker picked up a knock and a few minutes later was substituted for Cedric Teuchert. Leverkusen settled in the second half of the first 45 minutes and would create their best opportunities shortly before the whistle. On 37 minutes, Leon Bailey showed his quality, drawing the ball across goal and aided by a dummy from Julian Baumgartlinger. It fell to Nadiem Amiri whose shot was smothered clear in front of Andreas Luthe's goal before Kerim Demirbay was inches away from finishing off a chance from the 18-yard-line. Baumgartliner tested Luthe himself from the edge of the area but the experienced goalkeeper held firm to keep the scores blank at the break.
The first half could best be described as a complicated tactical encounter. Union and Leverkusen had neutralised both of their strengths with good organisation and plenty of endeavour on a cold Friday night in Berlin. But the second-half performance from Union was hugely encouraging as Urs Fischer's players found another gear against their opponents who are still involved in European competition. Union found joy on the right-hand side and Prömel set up Teuchert from the wing, the substitute running through on Hradecky's goal but only managing to strike agonisingly against the inside of the post. After another 10 minutes of highly tactical football, Teuchert was played into a good area by Marcus Ingvartsen but fired wide of the goal. Just three minutes later, Trimmel was presented with another shooting opportunity and the Austrian put Hradecky under pressure despite the shot going a few inches past the target. Coming off the back of 5 goals in 6 games, Taiwo Awoniyi has been red-hot in the penalty box but the on-loan Liverpool striker did a power of work for the team outside of the danger zone. The Nigerian's tank was emptied by the 76th minute and Marius Bülter was tasked with running the clock down as Leverkusen's time in possession continued to increase. When it looked like the match was heading for a goalless draw, Union dug deep into those powers of never giving up. The backline broke up play deep in their own half, Prömel picked out Teuchert with a terrific through ball and the 24-year-old went through once more on Hradecky, but this time held his nerve to finish past the Finland international. That was Teuchert's third Bundesliga goal of the campaign – his first since the 5-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld in November. The victory continues the excellent form under Urs Fischer – Union are unbeaten in their last five games and extend the run at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei to eight matches without defeat.
Union face strong test against Leverkusen
Match preview
1. FC Union Berlin's third Friday evening clash of the 2020/21 Bundesliga season will see the Köpenick club host Bayer Leverkusen at the Alte Försterei at 20:30.
Urs Fischer's team have won twice under the lights – against Mainz and Borussia Dortmund – and will be looking to make that a third in Round 16 of the campaign.
Review
Against another strong opponent last weekend, 1. FC Union Berlin came out with a positive result in the Bundesliga. Urs Fischer's team will feel unfortunate not to have taken all three points, but a 2-2 will draw satisfy the Köpenick club. Renato Steffen's opener for Wolfsburg was cancelled out by Sheraldo Becker's thumping strike after half an hour at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The match turned in Union's favour in the second half when Marcus Ingvartsen sliced open the Wolfsburg defence to find Taiwo Awoniyi, who was bundled over by Maxi Arnold. Referee Patrick Ittich dismissed the Wolfsburg player, but consulted with VAR to change the penalty decision to a free-kick at the edge of the box. That mattered little to Robert Andrich who swung the ball over the wall and past Koan Casteels. Union's lead should have been extended to 3-1 when Christopher Trimmel's corner/goal was ruled out for a foul – consultation with the VAR would have shown this was a valid goal for Union. Instead, Wolfsburg took advantage, winning a penalty kick for a handball with the help of the video monitor and Wout Weghorst converting to make it 2-2.
Opponent
Peter Bosz's Bayer Leverkusen are enjoying a quietly impressive Bundesliga season with the Werkself in third place, four points better off than Union. Leverkusen's fast and offensive style of football has caught the eye and has given them a fighting chance to nudge Bayern Munich away from the summit of German football. The schedule, however, is tight for Leverkusen ahead of Friday's fixture following a midweek clash in the DFB Pokal against Eintracht Frankfurt. That test was passed by Bosz's men (4-1) despite going a goal behind early doors. Leverkusen stumbled in the Bundesliga last time out at the BayArena, drawing 1-1 with Werder Bremen.
Personnel
Urs Fischer's pre-match press conference contained some positive updates on the injury front. Although Christian Gentner is a doubt despite taking part in training, defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been given the all-clear and looks to be an alternative option for Union Berlin. Joel Pohjanpalo, Max Kruse and Anthony Ujah are the absentees from the Union squad as they continue their rehabilitation from serious injury. Midfielder Grischa Prömel is back from his one-game suspension to give Fischer a potential selection headache in the middle of the park.
Service
Friday's game will be played behind closed doors at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
