Bayern retain their most stubborn pursuer: Union Berlin also won the top game at RB Leipzig, ending a great streak by Marco Rose. A dream goal decided the game.
The 1: 2 (1: 0) on Saturday evening (02/11/2023) against the Iron was the first defeat for RB coach Rose after 18 unbeaten competitive games. Union is still just one point behind Munich – Leipzig fell behind Dortmund and Freiburg in fifth place in the Bundesliga.
In the first half, the two top teams watched each other, waited for mistakes and acted very cautiously overall. Leipzig recorded a little more game shares, had 55 percent ball possession at the change of ends, a clearly better tackle rate (57.5 percent) and 5:1 shots on goal. That’s why the half-time lead was okay in the end, without the Bulls setting off a playful firework display.
Rönnow without the necessary tension
The two goalkeepers made the decisive difference. Frederik Rönnow, who is otherwise having a top season, looked very bad in the 24th minute when Benjamin Henrichs shot from 22 meters. Despite having a clear view of what was happening, the Union goalkeeper reacted far too late, still had his hand on the ball, but without any tension – the ball hit the left corner.
In the period that followed, Leipzig failed to score the second goal and retreated surprisingly far into their own half. The double chance by André Silva and Konrad Laimer alone – both attempts in the 34th minute were blocked – again caused excitement in the Irons’ penalty area. Then Union almost equalized: Aissa Laidouni sent Sheraldo Becker steeply, but his diagonal shot from the half-left steered RB goalkeeper Janis Blaswich just around the post with a class reflex.
Haberer scored to equalize
Blaswich was definitely unable to do anything when it came to equalizing. When the game in the second round got worse and worse and was only characterized by fouls and bad luck, Janik Haberer played the perfect opponent. André Silva had only cleared a high ball just behind the penalty area line, but Haberer stood by the ball with perfect posture and volleyed it into the left corner with the full instep – he should have made it into the selection for February’s goal of the month.
There was initially no reaction from Leipzig. There was hardly any way forward in terms of play, so there were no more goal scenes. Then the defensive line that had been so reliable of late also slipped up: Mohamed Simakan unnecessarily carried a ball out of the penalty area with his arm, and Robin Knoche converted the penalty kick to make it 2-1 for the guests with nerves of steel (72′).
VAR saves Union victory
Only then did the Bulls come forward with a little more vehemence and seemed to be rewarded in the 78th minute: Substitute Yussuf Poulsen tipped the ball over the line after an unfortunate defensive action by Berlin. But after intervention by VAR, the goal was disallowed because Timo Werner had been offside when the attack developed.
It was an extremely fortunate decision for the Irons, because Danilho Doehki tried to clear the ball and actually created a new game situation – but referee Daniel Schlager judged the action to be uncontrolled and therefore ruled offside. In the fourth minute of added time, Leipzig had another chance to make it 2-2, but Emil Forsberg headed a Werner cross inches wide of the right post – and in the 97th minute Rönnow saved just before Poulsen, who was ready to head in.
Leipzig in Wolfsburg, Union against Schalke
On the 21st matchday, Leipzig is challenged in Wolfsburg (Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.). Union Berlin welcomes promoted Schalke a day later (3.30 p.m.).