Bayer Leverkusen Fall to Union Berlin in Bundesliga

Union Berlin stun Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen fall to Union Berlin. Union Berlin beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in Bundesliga, Rani Khedira scores winner.

Kasper Hjulmand wasn't pleased with his team's performance, making three changes at the hour mark...

Union Berlin finally snapped their winless streak, beating Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 at home. This win marks their first head-to-head victory against Leverkusen since January 2021.

Union Berlin's relegation fears had been growing, but they managed to turn things around against a Leverkusen side that had been on a roll, winning six of their last seven matches. Leverkusen had also won their Champions League play-off first leg 2-0 against Olympiacos midweek.

Despite their game in Greece taking place less than 72 hours previously, Kasper Hjulmand’s men showed no signs of fatigue as they settled quickly here in what was a stop-start affair in the early stages in the German capital. 

Following two early bookings, Union were forced into an early change on 11 minutes after Janik Haberer - one of those cautioned - was forced off and replaced by Christopher Trimmel.

Bayer Leverkusen had more possession but struggled to break down Union Berlin's defense, trailing at halftime. A long ball from Ajoscha Kemlein caused chaos, and Rani Khedira scored his second goal in four matches.

The second half started slowly, with Leverkusen struggling. Ibrahim Maza had the first chance, but Frederik Rønnow made a save. 

Defeat.

90+7' | 1-0 | #FCUB04 pic.twitter.com/LTX2uz1qNM

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) February 21, 2026

Kasper Hjulmand wasn't pleased with his team's performance, making three changes at the hour mark, bringing in Patrik Schick and Ernest Poku, but it didn't change the game. Union Berlin's defense held strong, and they controlled the last half-hour easily.

Leverkusen had just one shot on target all game, maybe saving energy for their European match midweek.

Bayer Leverkusen's loss to Union Berlin hurts their top-four chances, now three points behind Stuttgart. Union Berlin, on the other hand, climbs into the top half with their first win in over two months.