Union Berlin 3-1 RB Leipzig: Clinical display derails visitors’ early title hopes – Soccer News

RB Leipzig’s early title ambitions were dealt a blow when they lost 3-1 to Union Berlin at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.

Oliver Burke and Ilyas Ansah scored either side of Tidiam Gomis’ brilliant finish for Leipzig, with all three goals coming in a seven-minute spell in the second half, before Tim Starke secured all three points in stoppage time.

Yan Diomande and Christoph Baumgartner both tested Frederik Ronnow in the first half, with David Raum also going close with a free-kick, while Diogo Leite and Janik Haberer both failed to hit the target for the hosts in a goalless first half.

However, the match came alive in the 57th minute thanks to a neat finish from Burke. After being played into the penalty area by Jeong Woo-yeong, Burke cut inside past Castello Lukeba and curled his effort into the top left corner to give Union the lead.

Leipzig head coach Ole Werner responded by immediately coming on for Gomis, and the decision paid off after just an hour. Gomis controlled a through ball from Conrad Harder before slamming the ball in at the near post.

But it was Ansah who had the last laugh in the 67th minute. Lazy defending from Leipzig allowed Christopher Trimmel to roam down the right flank and pick out Ansah with a sharp cross, with the striker guiding his header past Peter Gulacsi.

Leipzig pushed for another equalizer, but that suited Union well, because it threatened on the counter. Andras Schafer almost scored on half-time before Starke secured victory in the third minute of stoppage time.

And that, Unioner, is that. Attackers? Attackers! What a fucking joy that was. Eisern! #fcunie | #FCURBL pic.twitter.com/CMLYY7SxC2

— 1. FC Union Berlin (English) (@fcunion_en) December 12, 2025

Data debrief: Union overcomes misery in Leipzig

It was a clinical performance from Union, who produced 1.45 expected goals from 12 shots and Leipzig’s 0.59 from nine attempts.

And while Union’s forwards will get plenty of credit, there was a crucial performance from defender Leopold Querfeld. He won 13 of his 14 matches, won four free-kicks, registered two interceptions and made 10 free-kicks.

This was Union’s first win against Leipzig in five attempts, while they also scored in as many matches against their counterparts after four blank games.