RB Leipzig strengthen top-four grip with convincing win over Union Berlin
RB Leipzig secured a fifth consecutive Bundesliga victory with a commanding 3-1 win over Union Berlin at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday, solidifying their hold on third place in the table. Goals from Max Fingräfe, Rômulo, and Ridle Baku sealed the three points for Ole Werner's side, with Danilho Doekhi's late header providing only a consolation for the visitors.
Leipzig asserted their dominance early, with Yan Diomande proving instrumental in the first half. After Rômulo saw an effort cleared off the line, the hosts took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute. Diomande's cross was parried by Union goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow directly to Fingräfe on the edge of the area, and the full-back struck a superb first-time half-volley into the bottom corner.
The lead was doubled just three minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive error. A long ball caused confusion between Leopold Querfeld and Rønnow, and Rômulo intercepted the defender's weak header back, rounding the goalkeeper to finish into an empty net. Leipzig continued to control proceedings, hitting the crossbar and seeing Maarten Vandevoordt deny Oliver Burke in a rare Union chance.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Leipzig extending their lead in the 63rd minute. Diomande, who was named man of the match, drew in two defenders before threading a precise pass to Ridle Baku, who finished calmly past substitute goalkeeper Carl Klaus. Union Berlin managed a late response when Doekhi powered in a header from a Josip Juranović set-piece, but it proved only a minor blemish on Leipzig's performance.
The result extends Leipzig's unbeaten home run to six matches and places them firmly in the driving seat for a Champions League qualification spot with just three games remaining. According to Opta statistics, they have now scored three or more goals in four of their last five league outings. For Union Berlin, the defeat marks a third consecutive loss and a fifth game without a win, leaving them in 11th place as the season approaches its conclusion.
The victory underscores the effective work of coach Ole Werner since his appointment, with Leipzig displaying a consistent and attacking identity. The form of players like Diomande and the goal-scoring contributions from across the squad have been central to their strong run-in. Union Berlin, meanwhile, will be looking to arrest their slide and secure their top-flight status in the coming weeks, with teams below them still having games in hand.
