Union Berlin came from behind to secure a remarkable 2-1 victory at the Red Bull Arena, handing RB Leipzig just their second loss in 21 matches in 2022.
Union were keen to avenge their DFB-Pokal elimination at Leipzig’s hands on Wednesday, in a crucial clash in the race for European football. The visitors were on the front foot, forcing Péter Gulácsi into a save inside the opening two minutes, tipping Taiwo Awoniyi’s header over the bar after a pinpoint cross from Sheraldo Becker.
‘Die Eisernen’ had the measure of Domenico Tedesco’s men in the first half, forcing them into long balls as a result of a brilliantly-coordinated high press. Having held off multiple challenges, Awoniyi slotted Grischa Prömel in, only for his shot to be denied by Gulácsi. Moments later, Christopher Trimmel found space 30 yards out and released a venomous volley that cannoned off the bar.
‘Die Roten Bullen’ had been anonymous as an attacking force, failing to have a shot before the interval for the second consecutive game, having never previously suffered that fate in their Bundesliga history. Despite a dreary first half, there were good omens for Leipzig, who had never lost in their 19 previous games with Christopher Nkunku and Yussuf Poulsen paired together. Just 30 seconds after the restart, the duo combined to give the hosts the lead. The Frenchman’s cross from the left wasn’t cleared by Union, allowing Poulsen the chance to strike an exquisite half-volley into the bottom corner.
On the hour mark, Urs Fischer was left furious after VAR failed to award a penalty to his side following Nordi Mukiele’s bizarre late challenge on Niko Gießelmann. Leipzig resumed control after this controversial moment, and ought to have doubled their lead when Mukiele found himself in space inside the box, but the full-back struck his effort against the post.
Fischer turned to his bench in the closing stages in a last-ditch attempt to salvage a result. Sven Michel was introduced, and scored with his first touch to level the contest, glancing a header beyond Gulácsi. Three minutes later, another substitute netted to complete a remarkable comeback following a fast break, which caught Leipzig cold. Michel looked destined to shoot from close range, but he showed unbelievable composure in flicking backwards to Kevin Behrens to slot home and silence the home crowd. The result sees Leipzig squander third place, while Union hold firm inside the top six after winning four consecutive Bundesliga games for the first time in their history.
