Emil Forsberg proudly displayed his final shirt. There it was white on black what the Swedish national football player had just given his club RB Leipzig: Finale Berlin 2022.
As in the previous year, Forsberg Leipzig shot to Berlin. In Bremen it was the last minute of extra time, but he saved the Saxons this in the 2-1 (0-1) win over Union Berlin with a header in injury time. “It wasn’t anything new, I’ve done it a few times. But it’s still an incredible feeling, you take it with you forever,” said the 30-year-old.
In fact, Forsberg, who came to Leipzig from Malmö in the winter of 2015, is the man for the special goals in the club’s young history. This wondrous streak began on May 8, 2016, when Forsberg RB fired ahead against Karlsruhe, paving the way for promotion. A good year later he scored Leipzig’s first goal in the Champions League against Monaco, and in November 2019 he headed the club into the round of 16 in injury time against Benfica Lisbon for the first time.
Then came Bremen and finally Union. His coach Domenico Tedesco probably didn’t know the Forsberg factor and gave his noble technician a little motivation when he was substituted on in the 61st minute. “I gave him the message that he can decide the game,” said Tedesco. “But that’s not what I expected.”
What Forsberg, Tedesco and above all Leipzig are still missing is an important title. He should now be on May 21 in Berlin against SC Freiburg. At the latest, because the club may win the Europa League three days beforehand. The Saxons, who have been unbeaten for 15 games, can currently do anything.
Union also had to experience this bitterly. The deserved lead by Sheraldo Becker (25th minute) was only logical in Leipzig’s weak first half. “We then threw our plan overboard because I had the feeling that the team was too cerebral,” explained Tedesco. The plan became simpler – and finally worked.
André Silva (61st) converted a penalty against his usual practice – the Portuguese has already had three missed shots this season. And when everything was already set for an extension, Forsberg just came along. A goal that Tedesco then allowed himself to be carried away with a little too much pathos: “Emil has been here for seven years. He’s a legend.” Forsberg should certainly become one if he scores the decisive goal again in the final.