Becker and Knoche secure Union Berlin's first clean sheet with two goals against Mainz 05.

**Becker and Knoche Secure Union Berlin's First Clean Sheet with Two Goals Against Mainz 05**

Union Berlin secured their first clean sheet in the Bundesliga season this weekend with a convincing 2-0 victory over Mainz 05 at the RheinEnergieStadion. The result marked a significant milestone for the club, who had struggled to find consistency throughout the early stages of the campaign.

The match started brightly as Union Berlin took control from the outset. A combination of possession and clinical finishing saw the home side build up pressure. In the 11th minute, Thomas Becker scored his second goal of the night after a well-taken header from a corner kick. This was followed closely by a counterattack where Knoche capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area to slot home the second goal, securing the win.

The performance from both Becker and Knoche was outstanding. Becker, known for his powerful headers and clinical finish, demonstrated why he is one of the best forwards in the league. His ability to create chances and score from distance was crucial in Union Berlin's success. Meanwhile, Knoche, despite being a central defender, showed his versatility and adaptability on the field. His ability to move between positions and make key interceptions contributed significantly to the team's defensive solidity.

Union Berlin's coach, Christian Fuchs, praised his players' efforts. "We were focused and disciplined today, which paid off," said Fuchs. "Both Thomas Becker and Knoche played exceptional football, and it's great to see them contributing so much."

The win also boosted Union Berlin's confidence going forward. With three points, they moved up to 14th place in the table, showing that they can compete seriously for European places now that they have broken through the early-season slump. Mainz 05, on the other hand, suffered another setback, falling to 20th place after dropping three points.

This victory comes at a time when Union Berlin is trying to rebuild its squad and establish itself as a force in German football. With the addition of young talents like Tobias Müller and Jonas Weselke, the club has shown promise. The clean sheet also demonstrates the potential of the team, especially with the arrival of experienced players like Becker and Knoche.

As Union Berlin looks ahead to their next game, they will need to continue building on their form and finding ways to break down tough opponents. However, with the momentum they've gained in this win, there's no doubt that they are poised for some exciting matches in the coming weeks.