KIEL, Germany — Union Berlin showcased impressive young talent as they secured a 2-0 victory against the struggling Holstein Kiel on Sunday, continuing their upward trajectory in the Bundesliga.

The match saw 19-year-old wing back Tom Rothe provide an assist to 20-year-old midfielder Aljoscha Kemlein, who scored his inaugural senior goal with a well-placed header in the 18th minute. Union’s lead was solidified in the 85th minute when Rothe himself found the net, directing a header into the goal from a corner kick.

With this win, Union Berlin climbs to fifth place in the Bundesliga standings, now just three points away from the leaders, Bayern Munich. This victory marks Union’s second consecutive win in the league, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since February.

Union Berlin made headlines in German football by finishing fourth in the Bundesliga in the previous season, which granted them a spot in the Champions League for 2023. However, their performance in the last season was disappointing, characterized by an unsuccessful Champions League debut and a 15th-place finish in the Bundesliga.

On the other hand, Holstein Kiel, newly promoted to the league, finds itself in the relegation zone. They are currently the only team that has failed to earn any points at home this season, marking four consecutive losses at their home ground.

In another matchup, Wolfsburg is set to face Werder Bremen later on Sunday.