RB Leipzig versus SC Freiburg, that was the final of the DFB Cup last season. This season both met in the semi-finals, in Freiburg they were not happy about this reunion. That was also due to Leipzig’s Dani Olmo.
The goals in Leipzig’s 5-1 (4-0) win on Tuesday evening (May 2nd, 2023) were scored by Dani Olmo (13th minute), Benjamin Henrichs (15th), Dominik Szoboszlai (37th, 90th + 7th) and Christopher Nkunku (45+1). The outstanding man was the Spaniard Dani Olmo, he was involved in four of the five goals in Leipzig. Only Michael Gregoritsch scored for Freiburg (75th).
In the Bundesliga table, only two points separate fourth-placed Freiburg (56 points) and fifth-placed Leipzig (54). A close game also seemed possible in the semi-finals of the DFB Cup, as it was a year ago when both teams met in the final. At that time, Leipzig won on penalties.
But it wasn’t a close game. For Freiburg it was a borderline experience that they could certainly have done without. They were clearly inferior, especially in the first half. Leipzig is in the final for the third time in a row and can dream of defending the title.
Leipzig too good for Freiburg – four goals in just 33 minutes
The lead for Leipzig came after a cross from Marcel Halstenberg and a header from Dani Olmo. The Spaniard Olmo is known as a fine footballer, his passes and his sense of space are impressive. As a headball player, he had not often appeared in appearance. But he can do it, they know that now in Freiburg: Olmo headed straight into the corner from eight yards out.
The story of how the second Leipzig goal came about was a curious one: Kick-off Freiburg, a long ball and immediately losing the ball. And they can do it with speed at RB too: Timo Werner sprinted towards the penalty area, put it down for Olmo, who put it through very well to Henrichs. Henrichs finished, flat and placed. Mark Flekken in SC Freiburg’s goal was once again unable to defend himself.
Dani Olmo and the “Tunnel Preparation”
Szoboszlai then made the preliminary decision when he completed a remarkable Leipzig attack with his left and a lot of feeling. Previously, the Hungarian had played one-two with Dani Olmo – and his preliminary work was an eye-catcher. He tunnelled opponent Matthias Ginter and thus put Szoboszlai in the limelight in the first place.
And because he was doing so well, Dani Olmo also set up the fourth goal. His flat pass was accurate and Nkunku completed it coldly.
Freiburg also had chances, but there were only two before the break: First, Ritsu Doan shot just wide of the goal (9th), when the game was still open. Then Michael Gregoritsch was only centimeters away from a shot (39th), but the game was actually already decided. Otherwise Freiburg had a hard time, Leipzig was a class too good for the SC that evening.
Leipzig’s Gvardiol misses the final
In the second half, Leipzig played a bit cautiously, who could blame them. When central defender Josko Gvardiol saw red after knocking down Roland Sallai as the last man, Freiburg also found their game a little better.
Referee Sven Jablonski initially allowed play to continue in this scene, but then VAR called. Jablonski looked at the scene again on the monitor – and changed his mind (58′). It was the right decision. Stupid for Gvardiol, he will have to watch the final.
Vincenzo Grifo, who had surprisingly been on the bench at the start, took over the free-kick that followed. Grifo can free-kick, his dead balls are usually a Freiburg specialty. Not this time: goalkeeper Janis Blaswich parried (60th).
Unpleasant scenes in Freiburg
After almost 70 minutes, individuals from Freiburg’s corner tried to get into the interior and were pushed back by stewards. The game was interrupted for a few minutes. In addition, objects apparently flew in the direction of Leipzig’s substitutes, who were warming up behind the goal. André Silva indicated that he had been hit by a projectile. The Portuguese held his head and walked towards the bench.
Gregoritsch scores, but Leipzig again provides the final point
A few minutes later another goal was scored, this time for SC Freiburg. Sallai crossed with great precision, Gregoritsch headed to the left of the post. This time Blaswich had no chance.
However, RB Leipzig again provided the final point. After Kübler fouled Mohamed Simakan, referee Jablonski awarded the visitors a penalty as injury time was already running. Szoboszlai stepped up and converted safely.
By the way, the reunion of both teams is not long in coming. On Saturday (May 6th, 2023) both teams will meet again on the 31st match day of the Bundesliga. The game will be played again in Freiburg.