Bundesliga: Leverkusen Move into Top Three with 2-1 Win Over Union Berlin

Bayer Leverkusen secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Union Berlin to climb into the Bundesliga's top three, with Patrik Schick netting the winner.

Bayer Leverkusen climbed to third place in the Bundesliga standings after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Union Berlin. The win marked Leverkusen's 23rd consecutive away match without defeat in the Bundesliga, while condemning the hosts to their sixth consecutive outing without a win.

Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, entered the match in high spirits, having scored 10 goals in their previous two matches since the international break. The visitors carried this momentum into the match, quickly taking the lead and setting the tone for a strong performance.

Bayer Leverkusen made a blistering start to the match, scoring within two minutes. Jonathan Tah's long ball caught the Union Berlin defense off guard, allowing Alejandro Grimaldo to sprint in behind and square the ball for Jeremie Frimpong to turn home and give Leverkusen an early lead.

Despite their dominant start, Leverkusen's history of surrendering leads in away matches meant that Union Berlin were far from out of the contest. Indeed, Union Berlin equalized on the half-hour mark, ending a four-match scoring drought in the process. Benedict Hollerbach burst through the Leverkusen defense and cut the ball back for Jeong Woo-yeong, who steered the ball home off the inside of the post to restore parity.

Leverkusen's attacking options were limited due to the absence of Victor Boniface through injury and Florian Wirtz's initial presence on the bench. As a result, the team struggled to regain the lead, lacking the cutting edge needed to break down Union Berlin's defense.

Xabi Alonso eventually turned to Wirtz in search of a creative spark, and the German midfielder delivered. Given too much space in the right channel, Wirtz sent a wicked cross into the box, which was expertly turned home by Patrik Schick at the back post. Schick celebrated his 100th Bundesliga appearance for Leverkusen by scoring in his fourth consecutive club match, giving his team a crucial lead.

Although a second comeback seemed unlikely for Union Berlin, given their struggles to score goals, Leverkusen's tendency to falter on the road kept the hosts' hopes alive. Nevertheless, Xabi Alonso's side managed to keep Union Berlin at bay with relative ease, securing a crucial victory that propels them into the Bundesliga's top three.

The outcome is a disappointing one for Union Berlin, as they extend their winless streak against Leverkusen to eight consecutive head-to-head matches. As a result, Die Eisernen drop into the bottom half of the Bundesliga table, adding to their woes.