It was a game on the knife cutting edge: After 90 contested minutes, RB Leipzig cheered for moving into the semi-finals of the DFB Cup. Opponent Wolfsburg asked the Saxons 1-0 (1-0) victory. The decisive factor was a controversial penalty that Benjamin Sesko converted to victory after 69 minutes of play.
“We are overjoyed with the semi-finals. This is a very important sense of achievement and gives us a boost,” said sports manager Marcel Schäfer at Sky. “We want to go to the final.” VfL was naturally less happy, as sports managing director Sebastian Schindzielorz emphasized: “The whistled penalty is bitter for us. I just think it’s a shame that such an intensive game is decided by such a scene.”
Leipzig – Successful experience urgently needed
There are restless times in the Leipzig football cosmos – after the disappointing appearances in the Champions League and a constant up and down in the Bundesliga you cannot be satisfied with the course of the season. For many, coach Marco Rose’s job is in danger. What would help – of course: a victory in the DFB Cup against Wolfsburg. Connected to the semi -finals and the view of Berlin.
The problem: opponent VfL, however, Wolfsburg is in a good mood at the moment. And recently won the league game 5-1 in Leipzig in November. So be careful with the Saxons.
Brave start of both
After four minutes, RB presented himself dangerously with the Wolfsburg defenseists for the first time. Kevin Kampl had hit a clever pass on the left outer lane, where Benjamin Sesko led the ball further into the middle – but the approaches Lois Openda slipped past the ball with the ball.
On the other hand, it also became interesting on the other hand: Andreas Skov Olsen was on the right, fitted flat to the center, where the full -back Joakim Maehle, stormed forward, narrowly missed the ball (6th). The game had a rapid start.
Intensive duels
It also got down to business in the duels. Wolfsburg’s Kilian Fischer in particular had to take twice in the initial phase: first a check from David Raum, then a kick from Xavi. Both teams went to the permitted limits in terms of hardship.
It took until the next scene dangerous scene: Wolfsburg’s feast Tiago Tomas had picked up speed in midfield after a duel won and brought Mohamed Amoura left into the game. He pulled inwards, but his Schlenzer picked RB keeper Maarten Vandevoort easily (30th).
Amoura heads to the crossbar
The spectators got an interesting game at a high level. And the over 4,000 Wolfsburg fans who traveled with them had the scream on their lips two minutes after the restart: After a corner kick, Amoura was free – the header of the Algerier only landed on the crossbar.
But it was and remained a game at eye level. Wolfsburg seemed visually superior, but Leipzig always countered cross -dangerous. In the 56th minute it was very quick: long discount from Vandevoort, Sesko in front to Openda, which, however, denied the volley. The game wiped back and forth – each of the two was the allegedly decisive goal.
Sportschau, 26.02.2025 10:50 p.m.
Sesko cool from the penalty point
And then referee Tobias Reichel pointed to the penalty point in the Wolfsburg penalty area. Sesko had shot the ball on his arm from a short distance. It was an extremely tough decision. But it remained. And Sesko remained cool. Convert the penalty to 1: 0 (69.).
VfL coach Ralph Hasenhüttl reacted directly, brought another striker with Jonas Wind. But RB now looked confident, now played the matter in a very clear clarified. The ball was kept well, and again and again you launched your own attacks and hardly let the VfL develop. Xavi almost even added the 2-0 after a solo, but shot past the left post (83.).
Wind missed late compensation
On the other hand, a hair would have fallen by a hair three minutes before the end: substitute Kevin Behrens was suddenly free in front of RB keeper Vandevoort after Amouras Pass, but did not get past the Dutchman. So it remained at just under 1-0 – the RB Leipzig brought the longed -for entry to the last four of the DFB Cup.
Half -finals on April 1st and 2nd
The two semi-final games will be held on April 1 and 2, the draw will take place on March 2. The final will increase on May 24th.