Bayer Leverkusen defeats Union Berlin 4-0 as Berliners struggle offensively
Bayer Leverkusen secured a 4-0 victory over Union Berlin, taking the lead after 44 seconds and holding the visitors to a single shot.
Match overview
Bayer Leverkusen defeated 1. FC Union Berlin 4-0, taking the lead 44 seconds into the match. Union trailed 0-2 at halftime and conceded a third goal three minutes after the restart before the match concluded at 4-0. The Berlin club managed only one shot throughout the game, none of which went on target, ending with an expected goals (xGoals) value of 0.15. Goalkeeper Fredrik Rönnow, returning from an injury layoff, made multiple saves to prevent a wider margin.
Reactions from Union Berlin
Union captain Rani Khedira spoke to broadcasters after the final whistle.
It hurts. That was a certain lesson Leverkusen taught us today, but one from which we will certainly learn a lot.
Defender Felix Uduokhai, who made his starting lineup debut at age 28, pointed to defensive and physical shortcomings during the match.
We didn't get into the challenges. Then you are always a step too late and everyone looks like shit.
Union head coach Mauro Lustrinelli, 50, described the loss as an expected bump during the season and noted that Leverkusen earned the victory.
I think there is not much to say. Leverkusen deservedly won clearly, also by that margin. We left too much space and did not find the right energy and intensity.
