bundesliga

Union Berlin and RB Leipzig battle to goalless draw in tense encounter

01.02.2025

It was honours even as Union Berlin and RB Leipzig played out a goalless draw on Saturday evening. Union created more chances but failed to score, while Leipzig's attack struggled after their midweek European commitments.

Union Berlin 0-0 RB Leipzig

Saturday's late kick-off carried significant weight for both sides, with Union fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone and Leipzig aiming to solidify their position in the Champions League spots. Union head coach Steffen Baumgart faced a stern test against Marco Rose's side, having never defeated Leipzig in his coaching career. The home team welcomed back Frederik Rønnow for his first appearance of 2025, while Leipzig made several changes following their midweek European fixture.

A tough week: Marco Rose compounded the Champions League defeat against Sturm Graz with a goalless draw in the capital. - IMAGO/Roger Petzsche

Union press, Leipzig resist

The first half saw Union taking the initiative, pressing high and creating several half-chances. Benedict Hollerbach was particularly active for the home side, testing Péter Gulácsi with a powerful shot in the 12th minute. Leipzig, however, showed their defensive resilience, with Willi Orbán marshalling the backline effectively. The visitors' best opportunity came in the 41st minute when Xavi cleverly chipped the ball over Rønnow, only to see it drift agonizingly wide of the post. Despite Union's territorial advantage, reflected in their higher shot count, the teams went into the break level.

Ball in the net, flag in the air: This goalbound effort from Šeško was ruled out due to the striker being in an offside position in the build-up. - IMAGO/Michael Taeger

Chances at both ends after the break

The second half began with increased intensity from both sides. Leipzig made two changes at the break, bringing on Amadou Haidara and Antonio Nusa in an attempt to inject more creativity into their attack. The substitutions nearly paid off in the 56th minute when Benjamin Šeško found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Union continued to create chances, with Hollerbach forcing a brave save from Gulácsi in the 68th minute. The match saw further disciplinary action, with Diogo Leite (Union, 49'), Christoph Baumgartner (Leipzig, 64'), and Yussuf Poulsen (Leipzig, 78') all receiving yellow cards. As the match wore on, both teams made multiple substitutions, but neither could find the breakthrough. The game's most dramatic moment came in second-half stoppage time when Union's Jordan had a golden opportunity cleared off the line by Šeško, preserving the stalemate.

Defensive marshall: Captain Willi Orbán (r.) put in a rock-solid performance at the back for RBL. - IMAGO/Roger Petzsche

Player of the Match: Willi Orbán

It was a captain's performance from Hungary international Orbán this evening, as he asserted dominance at the back to help keep out the Union attack. The standout performer in this tightly contested match, Orbán made several crucial interventions throughout the game. His commanding presence in the box and excellent positioning were key factors in preserving a clean sheet for Leipzig, despite Union registering 20 shots in total. His performance was particularly important given Union's superior xG of 1.16 compared to Leipzig's 0.28, showing that the Leipzig defence had to work for the point. Orbán's display was a testament to his experience and skill, proving instrumental in securing a valuable point for his team in a game in which there wasn't much more to be taken.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Union Berlin 1.16 - RB Leipzig 0.28
Fastest player: Tim Skarke (Union), 33.64 km/h
Most pressed player: Benedict Hollerbach (Union), 29 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Tim Skarke (Union), +3.34

Fantasy Heroes: Willi Orbán (Leipzig, 283 Points), Péter Gulácsi (Leipzig, 190 Points), Janik Haberer (Union, 173 Points)