Union Berlin suffered a 1-3 defeat to RB Leipzig in a Bundesliga clash on Friday, April 24, 2026, deepening their relegation worries and marking the second loss in as many games for interim head coach Marie-Louise Eta.
The match, played at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, saw the home side take control early with goals from Max Finkgräfe and Rômulo within a three-minute span to put the game beyond Union’s reach before halftime.
RB Leipzig came into the match having won their previous four Bundesliga fixtures and already secured continental football for next season. A victory would strengthen their push for a UEFA Champions League spot in the 2026/27 campaign.
Union, meanwhile, were searching for their first win since defeating Freiburg 1-0 in mid-March. The loss left them battling to avoid the relegation play-off position, with only three games remaining in the season.
The home side started brightly, with Antonio Nusa forcing a save from Union goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow in the seventh minute. Rønnow made another fine stop from Rômulo two minutes later, but he was powerless to prevent Finkgräfe from opening the scoring in the 22nd minute.
Leopold Querfeld’s headed clearance fell straight to the Leipzig full-back, who powered a half-volley past Rønnow from the edge of the box for his first Bundesliga goal.
Just three minutes later, Union’s woes worsened as Querfeld’s attempted header back to Rønnow was intercepted by Rômulo, who stroked the ball into the unguarded net to double Leipzig’s lead.
Union’s struggles continued shortly after the half-hour mark when Rønnow was forced off with an injury and replaced by Bundesliga debutant Carl Klaus.
Leipzig extended their advantage in the second half when Ridle Baku scored in the 63rd minute, assisted by Diomande, to produce it 3-0.
Union pulled a goal back through Danilho Doekhi in the 78th minute, assisted by Juranović, but it was merely a consolation as Leipzig held on for the win.
The victory marked Leipzig’s fifth consecutive Bundesliga win, moving them closer to securing a Champions League qualification spot. With 62 points, they sat third in the table, within striking distance of second-placed Borussia Dortmund on 64 points.
For Union, the loss extended their winless streak under Eta, who made her Bundesliga debut as head coach the previous weekend in a 2-1 home loss to Wolfsburg. She became the first woman to coach a men’s Bundesliga team, or any of Europe’s big five men’s leagues, when she took over.
Eta has faced scrutiny online following accusations of sexism related to a social media post, though she has stated her desire to focus solely on the sporting challenges ahead.
With only three matches left, Union’s 32 points leave them vulnerable to slipping into the relegation zone if results go against them. FC St. Pauli, currently 16th with 26 points, could narrow the gap to just three points if they win their upcoming match against 1. FC Heidenheim.
The result leaves Leipzig well-positioned to challenge for a Champions League place, while Union must regroup quickly to avoid a drop to the Bundesliga’s relegation play-offs.
Union’s next fixture is against VfL Wolfsburg, where Eta will again be under the spotlight as she seeks her first win in charge.
As the Bundesliga season enters its final stretch, every point becomes critical for both clubs — Leipzig chasing European glory, Union fighting to stay up.
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