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.

1. FC Union Berlin: Luthe; Trimmel, Lenz, Friedrich, Hübner, Knoche; Prömel, Andrich; Becker (Teuchert 24 (Ryerson 90)), Ingvartsen, Awoniyi (Bülter 76)

Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky; Sinkgraven, Tapsoba, Tah, Dragovic; Baumgartlinger (Aranguiz 70), Amiri, Demirbay; Bailey, Schick (Alario 70), Diaby

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.