Rani Khedira applauds Union Berlin’s ruthless display

Rani Khedira was the difference-maker as Union Berlin secured their first win of 2026 against an in-form Bayer Leverkusen side.

Bayer Leverkusen came into Alten Försterei with ten points from their last four Bundesliga games as well as a huge victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League. However, Union Berlin managed to end their winless start to 2026 thanks to Rani Khedira’s first-half strike.

“We were very compact today and constantly engaged Leverkusen in challenges,” the 32-year-old midfielder said after the game. “Then, we ruthlessly exploited one of their mistakes. As a team, we didn’t let ourselves get split up today.

“We stayed very tight, and that was the key to our success,” Khedira summed up the key to their success. Union Berlin will have further opportunity to extend the gap between themselves and the relegation zone with games against Borussia Mönchengladbach and Werder Bremen next on their calendar.