Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction, Preview, lineups

When Union Berlin host Bayer Leverkusen at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei on February 21, 2026, both sides will approach the contest with contrasting records and ambitions. Leverkusen travel armed with an impressive undefeated streak, while Union Berlin are searching for much-needed consistency to reverse recent struggles.

Union Berlin face a stern test coming into this encounter. Their recent history against Leverkusen hasn't brought much success, with zero victories in the last three home meetings, accompanied by a draw and two defeats at their own ground.

The home side's current form paints a similarly challenging picture. Over their last six Bundesliga matches, Union Berlin have not secured a single win, drawing three and losing three. Attack has been an issue, as they've managed only one goal while conceding twice across those fixtures. These matches have seen them average 14.17 total shots and 3.17 on target, with an average possession of 43.5%.

On their own turf, the numbers don't improve significantly. The past three home matches have produced two draws and one loss, with a solitary goal scored and two conceded. Possession rose slightly to 46.67%, but the results remain elusive.

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For Union Berlin, long-term trends provide further insight. They have failed to win in 80% of their last 15 matches overall, and are winless in 80% of their last 15 home matches as well. Drawing has been a recurring theme, having shared the points in 9 of their last 18 home games. Most notably, they have lost 9 of the last 15 encounters against Bayer Leverkusen, demonstrating a recurring struggle in this head-to-head clash. Presently, they enter the match winless in 100% of their last 7 outings in all competitions.

Leverkusen, by contrast, have shown real quality and resilience. Their away record is particularly impressive, with no defeats in their last 6 matches in all competitions and undefeated records in 16 of their last 20 away matches. Over their previous 6 games, they've secured five wins and a draw while conceding just 0.33 goals per match and averaging 2.5 goals scored. Their average shot tally sits at 11.5, with 4.83 of those on target, and a commanding average possession of 60.83%.

Leverkusen's recent Bundesliga campaign has been built around both consistency and attacking fluency. In league play, they've been undefeated in 32 of their last 40 matches, with a 45% rate of winning by two or more goals over their last 20 games. Even away from home, they've claimed victory in half of their last 6 Bundesliga trips.

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Looking at the table, these form lines are reflected in their standings. Union Berlin, in 10th, have claimed 6 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses, scoring 28 and conceding 37 in 22 matches for a goal difference of -9. Leverkusen sit sixth, with 12 wins, 3 draws, and 6 defeats, registering 43 goals and conceding only 27 in 21 matches for a goal difference of +16.

Team news suggests some enforced changes for both managers. Union Berlin are missing Robert Skov, Diogo Leite, Tom Rothe, Josip Juranovic, and Andrej Ilic due to injuries. This likely sees them set up in a 3-4-2-1, drawing on recent match line-ups.

Union Berlin are expected to line up with Frederik Rönnow in goal, Danilho Doekhi, Leopold Querfeld, and Stanley Nsoki in defense, Aljoscha Kemlein, Rani Khedira, Christopher Trimmel, and Derrick Köhn in midfield, with Woo-yeong Jeong, Ilyas Ansah, and Janik Haberer supporting the attack.

Leverkusen are without Eliesse Ben Seghir, Jarell Quansah, Nathan Tella, and Mark Flekken, but are expected to continue with their preferred 3-4-2-1 system, featuring Janis Blaswich in goal, Edmond Tapsoba, Robert Andrich, and Loïc Badé at the back, Arthur, Aleix García, Exequiel Palacios, and Alejandro Grimaldo in midfield, and Malik Tillman, Martin Terrier, and Patrik Schick leading the line.

lgorithmic predictions favor Leverkusen to continue their run, with a 46% probability for an away win and a likely outcome of over 2.5 goals, with a plausible scoreline of 2–1 in favor of the visitors. Union Berlin's aim will be to grind out a result and arrest their run of matches without a win, while Leverkusen seek to further assert themselves in the top six and maintain their push for European places.