Dortmund's 15-Match Unbeaten Run Faces Leipzig Test in Saturday's Bundesliga Clash
Leipzig, 21 February 2026
Borussia Dortmund’s remarkable 15-match unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga will be put to the test when they visit RB Leipzig on Saturday. Despite their impressive domestic form and recent 2-0 Champions League victory over Atalanta, Dortmund faces a historical challenge at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena, where they have lost their last five matches. Leipzig, who started the season strongly with seven wins in nine games, will be without key goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi due to injury. Both teams enter with contrasting recent form - Dortmund riding high on a six-match winning run domestically, while Leipzig managed just four points from their last five home fixtures.
Leipzig’s Home Struggles Against Dortmund’s Dominance
The historical context adds intrigue to Saturday’s encounter, with RB Leipzig having won four of their six previous meetings with Borussia Dortmund [1]. However, recent form at the Red Bull Arena tells a different story, as Dortmund has established a five-match losing streak at Leipzig’s home ground [1]. This psychological advantage could prove crucial for the visiting side, particularly given their current domestic momentum following a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Mainz 05 last weekend [1]. Leipzig’s recent home form has been concerning, managing only four points from their last five matches at the Red Bull Arena [1], a stark contrast to their impressive early-season run that saw them secure seven wins in their opening nine Bundesliga fixtures [1].
Injury Concerns Shape Team Selection
Both clubs will be forced to navigate significant injury challenges for Saturday’s fixture. RB Leipzig will be without their experienced goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, alongside Kosta Nedeljkovic (back problem), Assan Ouedraogo, and Suleiman Sani [1]. Dortmund faces equally disruptive absences, with key defender Nico Schlotterbeck unavailable for the weekend, joined by Emre Can (adductor injury), Filippo Mane (muscle injury), and Niklas Sule [1]. The absence of these established players will test both squads’ depth and tactical flexibility, potentially opening opportunities for fringe players to make their mark in this high-stakes encounter.
Leverkusen Seeks Top-Four Push Against Struggling Union
Meanwhile, defending champions Bayer Leverkusen face a contrasting challenge as they visit Union Berlin, seeking to maintain their pursuit of Champions League qualification [2]. Leverkusen currently sits three points behind fourth-placed Stuttgart in the Bundesliga table [2], making every point crucial in their quest to secure European football for next season. Their recent form suggests confidence, having established a seven-match unbeaten streak after enduring a difficult three-match losing run at the start of 2026 [2]. The champions will draw confidence from their previous encounter with Union Berlin, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory in October 2025 [2].
Union Berlin’s Relegation Battle Intensifies
Union Berlin enters Saturday’s match in significantly different circumstances, facing genuine relegation concerns following a seven-game winless run in the Bundesliga [2]. Their defensive frailties were exposed in a 3-2 defeat to Hamburger SV on 15 February 2026, marking the third occasion in four matches where they conceded three goals [2]. Adding to their challenges, reports suggest potential discord within the squad, with a possible rift between head coach Steffen Baumgart and player Aljoscha Kemlein [2]. Union Berlin will be further hampered by injury concerns affecting four players, including Diogo Leite and Josip Juranovic, whilst Tom Rothe and Robert Skov remain in rehabilitation [2]. The club’s week was further disrupted by the departure of women’s head coach Ailien Poese [2], highlighting the broader instability affecting the organisation.