Bayer Leverkusen opened the scoring in the first half through Ernest Poku, who finished a close-range chance after Union Berlin failed to clear a cross. Union’s defense looked solid early, but once Leverkusen pressed high and moved the ball well, Union cracked. That goal gave Leverkusen confidence and shifted the pressure firmly onto the visitors.
After that, Leverkusen kept control. They moved players across the pitch quickly and forced Union Berlin to defend deep. Though Union had a few counter opportunities, Leverkusen’s compact shape and pressing disrupted every attempt.
Kofane Seals the Win After Half
Soon after the break, young attacker Christian Kofane doubled the lead. He punished a goalkeeper error, slotting the ball into the net in the 52nd minute. That strike not only marked his first Bundesliga goal but also ensured Leverkusen would dominate the rest of the match.
Union Berlin tried to respond. They made substitutions, pushed their fullbacks forward, and aimed to stretch play. However, Leverkusen’s midfield bossed possession and thwarted most of Union’s attacking moves. Whenever Union broke forward, Leverkusen regained control quickly.
Tactical Discipline Under New Coach
Kasper Hjulmand, Leverkusen’s new coach, deserves credit. He organized the team well, especially given that their top striker, Patrik Schick, remained injured. Leverkusen’s adapted strategy: they defended compactly, used wing play, and counterattacked effectively.
Their back four stayed focused and prevented Union Berlin from creating many big chances. On the wings, Leverkusen fullbacks supported forward runs, while the attacking midfielders created space and tempo. That balance allowed them to control the match without leaving themselves too exposed.
Key Moments and Player Highlights
Ernest Poku showed calmness in and around the box. His first-half goal came at a crucial moment when Union Berlin looked comfortably in the match. Then come Christian Kofane: his awareness, movement, and finish stood out.
Defensively, Leverkusen’s squad defended with discipline. Union’s attempts to find late goals seldom troubled them. The goalkeeper made a few key saves. Also, the bench ‒ substitutes helped Leverkusen maintain fresh legs and pressing intensity.
What This Win Means for Leverkusen
This victory marks Leverkusen’s second straight win in the Bundesliga. Consequently, they moved into fourth place with eleven points so far. Momentum builds for them as title contenders and European qualification hopes remain alive.
Meanwhile, Union Berlin suffer a setback. Their away form remains patchy, and defensive lapses hurt them in this match. Union must regroup fast, especially as they face tougher fixtures coming up.
Conclusion
Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 win over Union Berlin showed they can be clinical. With Ernest Poku’s opener and Christian Kofane’s second, they secured a solid result. Leverkusen controlled the tempo, defended well, and exploited key moments. Union Berlin fought but could not match Leverkusen’s discipline or sharpness. Going forward, Leverkusen look dangerous, particularly under their new management.
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