Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 21 February 2026
The Matchday 23 Bundesliga clash is set for Saturday at the An der Alten Försterei stadium in Berlin, where Union will host Bayer Leverkusen. Let’s take a look at the goal-scoring prospects in this encounter, factoring in the visitors’ packed schedule and the Berliners’ resilience at home.
Match preview
Union are enduring a winless streak that has now reached seven games (four draws and three defeats), with their latest outing ending in a high-scoring 2-3 loss to Hamburg. Notably, this was the first time in six rounds that Union managed to score more than once, and overall, they’ve found the net in 12 of their last 13 Bundesliga matches. The standings remain tense — they are only six points clear of the relegation playoff zone.
At home, Steffen Baumgart’s side traditionally look more assured: seven matches unbeaten in their last nine Bundesliga games at the Alte Försterei. However, their defense is far from watertight — they’ve conceded in six consecutive home games. Union often find themselves playing catch-up, conceding first, but their high-intensity style and clinical finishing keep them competitive.
Bayer cruised to a 4-0 demolition of St. Pauli in the previous round, securing their third win in four league matches. Leverkusen sit sixth, three points adrift of the Champions League spots, showing a solid balance between attack and defense — just 27 goals conceded, bettered only by Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. Still, their away form raises some questions.
Despite an impressive long-term away record, Bayer have yet to keep a clean sheet on the road this season. In their last seven Bundesliga away fixtures, they’ve won three and lost three, always conceding at least once. With crucial European fixtures on the horizon, potential rotation could add another twist to this matchup.
Probable lineups
- Union Berlin: Rønnow, Doekhi, Kverfeldt, Nsoki, Hedira, Kuen, Ansah, Trimmel, Ilic, Jeong Woo-yeong, Kemlein
- Bayer Leverkusen: Blaswich, Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba, Grimaldo, Garcia, Maza, Palacios, Schick, Poku, Vasquez
Match facts and head-to-head
- Union are unbeaten in 7 of their last 9 Bundesliga home matches.
- Bayer have conceded in every away league game this season.
- Union conceded first in 6 of their last 7 matches.
Prediction
Union Berlin have been inconsistent, but on home turf they regularly trouble even higher-ranked opponents. Bayer are potent in attack, but their away defense is far from flawless, and with their attention possibly divided by European commitments, intensity could dip. Expect both teams to find the back of the net in this one.
