Leipzig ease to win over Union Berlin to strengthen grip on Champions League spots

The hosts kicked off aggressively, as Antonio Nusa surged into the box and had his low shot stopped by Frederik Rønnow.

The Union keeper was tested again soon after, with a delivery into the box reaching Rômulo Cardoso, whose first attempt was expertly parried before András Schafer cleverly retreated to nod the rebound clear.

Die Roten Bullen kept up the assault, and their persistence paid off around the midpoint of the opening period.

Yan Diomande delivered a cross from the goal line, which Rønnow palmed away, letting Leopold Querfeld clear it, but merely to Max Finkgräfe, who unleashed a crisp left-footed strike that nestled into the far corner.

The away teams fortunes deteriorated further only three minutes on, as a lofted pass sent Cardoso clear, enabling him to outpace the defence and chip over Rønnow, before tapping home into the unguarded goal.

Will Orban struck the bar with a header not long after, followed by Christoph Baumgartner seeing his own header tipped away spectacularly, restricting the gap to two goals by the break.

While Union seem safe from a drop zone scrap, their fans would prefer confirmation of survival as quickly as possible.

Yet, their efforts appeared doomed in this match when Leipzig increased their advantage shortly past the hour, courtesy of a smart pass in the box to Ridle Baku, who twisted away before drilling the ball beyond Rønnows despairing dive.

Union finally registered their initial effort on goal in the 78th minute, Danilho Doekhi powering a header from a set piece beyond Maarten Vandevoordt, though it was mere consolation as Leipzig regained dominance, clinching a dominant victory after a disallowed late effort from Ilyas Ansah for offside.

This outcome sees Leipzig holding an eight-point edge over closest pursuers TSG Hoffenheim for a top-four position, with only 12 points remaining, positioning them close to their seventh such achievement in eight years.

Union stay in 11th, six points above the play-off spot, facing a tense conclusion to the campaign.