Thanks to art shooter Xavi Simons and a strong collective in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig is back on course for the Champions League.
At the end of the 11th matchday, coach Marco Rose’s team defeated Europa League starters SC Freiburg 3-1 (1-1) and climbed to fourth place in the table – past BVB.
For the Breisgauers, coached by Christian Streich, it was the third game in a row without a win in the league. In the middle of the table, Freiburg still has its sights on the European Cup places.
Xavi Simons (6th) gave Leipzig an early lead with a remarkable individual action. Immediately before the break, Merlin Röhl (45th + 6th) shocked the Leipzig team with an equally strong solo. Lois Openda (79th, penalty kick) and Christoph Baumgartner (80th) made the decision with a late double strike.
Rose largely trusted the starting eleven, which had secured their early entry into the round of 16 in the premier class in Belgrade during the week. Only national player Lukas Klostermann replaced Benjamin Henrichs. Streich made no changes compared to the Europa League win against Backa Topola (5-0).
“…otherwise you have no chance”
“You have to think quickly and be extremely attentive,” Streich had previously told “DAZN,” “otherwise you have no chance.”
Freiburg initially implemented the coach’s instructions only moderately. Freiburg tried to narrow the space in the center, but the pressure from Leipzig quickly led them to make mistakes. Lucas Höler misused the ball against Xavi. The loanee from Paris St. Germain, who has been in good form for weeks, immediately picked up the pace, moved towards the penalty area and scored from just over 20 meters to take the lead.
The goal gave Leipzig additional security. The Saxons played at high speed and were extremely dangerous in the transition game. Playmaker Emil Forsberg (17th) narrowly failed, Benjamin Sesko (18th) headed the following corner centimeters past the goal.
The dominant Leipzig team held on to the Freiburg penalty area and pushed for the next goal. Lois Openda (23rd) narrowly failed.
RB Leipzig initially remains in control
RB never lost control until the break, but the intensity of their offensive efforts decreased. However, Freiburg rarely found relief.
New national player Janis Blaswich in the Leipzig goal hardly had any opportunities to demonstrate his skills. Standards also fizzled out. When Leipzig was already mentally in the dressing room, Röhl equalized with a strong solo.
After the break the game became more intense, more physical and more balanced. Freiburg became stronger and sought the way forward more courageously. Leipzig, on the other hand, were more prone to errors and lost the determination of the first half. Coach Rose responded with a triple substitution. Thanks to the late double strike, Leipzig had the better end.