# Becker and Knoche's Goals Keep Union Berlin's Clean Sheet as They Beat Mainz 05 2-0

Union Berlin secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Mainz 05 in their latest Bundesliga match, maintaining their clean sheet and continuing to push for the title. The performance was particularly noteworthy given the high stakes of the league race, with both teams vying for the coveted top spot.

## Key Highlights

1. **First Goal**: Union Berlin struck first in the 27th minute when goalkeeper Maxi Hitzel made a crucial save from Thomas Müller's free kick. This prevented Mainz from taking the lead early on.

2. **Second Goal**: In the 68th minute, Union Berlin doubled their advantage. Stefan Neutzi found himself unmarked in the box and converted his penalty kick, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead at halftime.

3. **Defensive Solidity**: Throughout the match, Union Berlin maintained a solid defensive structure, allowing only two shots on target against the strong attack of Mainz 05. This kept the visitors' momentum low and helped secure a win that could be pivotal in the season's standings.

4. **Momentum Boost**: With this victory, Union Berlin moved up to third place in the table, just one point behind leaders Bayern Munich. This boost in confidence is likely to carry over into future matches, especially considering the tight competition in the league.

## Player Performances

- **Maxi Hitzel**: Played a key role in keeping the scoreline down for Union Berlin. His ability to make crucial saves and maintain possession throughout the game was instrumental.

- **Stefan Neutzi**: Noted for his work rate and goal-scoring ability, Neutzi's penalty kick was a highlight of the match. His skill and composure were evident as he stepped up to take the shot.

- **Thomas Müller**: Although not involved in the goals, Müller demonstrated his quality with several good chances. His presence in the opposition half added another layer of pressure for Mainz 05.

## Future Outlook

With this win, Union Berlin continues to demonstrate their resilience and ability to compete with the best teams in the league. The club now has a renewed sense of purpose and will look forward to facing tougher opponents in the remaining matches of the season.

The victory also provides motivation for Mainz 05, who will need to find a way to bounce back quickly after this setback. Their next challenge is to overcome the challenges posed by clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, which are currently leading the table.

Overall, Becker and Knoche's goals have provided Union Berlin with a valuable win, setting them up well for what promises to be a competitive season ahead.