Leipzig closer to Champions League after 3-1 win against Union Berlin

RB Leipzig moved closer to Champions League qualification after a dominant 3-1 home win against Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Friday.

Leipzig took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute through Max Finkgräfe.

Union keeper Frederik Rønnow sent Yan Diomande's cross away but Leopold Querfeld's clearance fell straight to Finkgräfe, who struck a half-volley into the net from the edge of the box.

Just three minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead again taking advantage of another mistake by Querfeld.

He tried to head the ball back to Rønnow, but it was intercepted by Romulo, who fired it into the unguarded goal.

Ridle Baku added his name to the scoresheet in the 63rd after collecting a sensational pass from Diomande, who found the space between the Union defence.

Danilho Doekhi pulled one back for the guests in the 78th but it was already too late.

Leipzig are third and very close to securing a spot in the Champions League after failing to qualify for the competition this season.

"We could have defended better but overall we're happy to take the three points at home. Definitely a deserved win," Leipzig defender Willi Orban told broadcasters Sky.

Union haven't won in five matches, a run that includes four defeats. They are 11th in the standings, six points from the relegation zone with three games left.

There was a curious scene behind the goal during the match: Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff was running on a treadmill to promote the Wings for Life World Run, which supports advancing spinal cord injury research.