RB Leipzig is still on track in the Champions League and has taken an important step in the fight for the round of 16. Coach Marco Rose’s team won the groundbreaking game against Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade 3-1 (1-0) and pushed the door wide open to the knockout round.
David Raum (13th) with his first premier class goal, Xavi Simons (59th) with a dream goal and Dani Olmo (84th) ensured the second win for the Saxons in the constant rain in Leipzig, who so far have only beaten defending champions Manchester in Group G City lost out (1:3).
As second behind the English champions with six points, the DFB Cup winners have the best chance of making it to the round of 16. Marko Stamenic scored for Belgrade (70th), but progress is a long way off with just one point in their account.
Despite being favorites, Rose had warned the opponent before the game: “We have to be on our guard,” his team has work to do against Belgrade. The RB coach relied on almost the same starting eleven as in last Saturday’s Bundesliga duel with Darmstadt 98 (3:1).
Only midfielder Xaver Schlager, who was missing against the newly promoted side due to a cold, was rotated into the starting line-up for Amadou Haidara. Playmaker Dani Olmo, who returned to Darmstadt after a long injury break, initially took a seat on the bench against the Serbs.
Leipzig pushed forward from the start and largely had the game under control in front of the 42,209 spectators in the Red Bull Arena. Only In-Beom Hwang (3rd) tried from a distance in the opening phase, but put the ball past the goal to the left. RB repeatedly pushed the Serbs deep into their own half, but there were initially no dangerous shots.
RB Leipzig: Serb fans light fires
But the hosts continued to attack, Xavi Simons created space and scored to give Leipzig a deserved lead. A little later, Yussuf Poulsen and Castello Lukeba forced Belgrade’s keeper Omri Glazer to make two strong saves (17th). There was little to see offensively from the Serbs, who were repeatedly cheered on loudly by the supporters who had traveled with them.
During one of the rare advances towards the Leipzig goal, Lukeba brought down Peter Olayinka in the penalty area while trying to clear the ball. According to the video images, referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez reversed his decision to award a penalty kick. The guests continued to wait for counterattacks, but did not use them efficiently.
Belgrade came out of the locker room with more speed and became more dangerous. However, Leipzig gradually found its way back into the game. Simons made a remarkable shot from around 17 meters and hit the top right corner. RB then continued to look for a way forward, but Belgrade didn’t let up either and Stamenic managed to catch up. Only Olmo made everything clear.