RB wins against TSG
Club icon Emil Forsberg gave himself the best presents for his unforgettable farewell evening shortly before Christmas. The Swede first shot RB Leipzig into the lead shortly after coming on as a substitute, then he prepared the next goal for a 3-1 (1-1) win against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. This means that the Saxon Bundesliga team has climbed to third place in the table for the time being. Shortly after the final whistle, Forberg’s transfer to the New York Red Bulls was announced.
Lukas Klostermann (34th minute) shot Marco Rose’s team into the lead in front of 42,946 fans in the Red Bull Arena before Ozan Kabak equalized (42nd). Forsberg (71′) scored to take the lead again, Mohamed Simakan (74′) increased.
Even though RB record player Yussuf Poulsen gave the first sign of respect with his header after a good two minutes, the fans celebrated their “Mister RB” Emil Forsberg – unlike many other stadiums on Friday and Saturday, there was no trace of DFL protest. “With you in league one and throughout Europe, thank you for 9 years of commitment and passion” was read on a banner in the fan block. Loud shouts of “Emil Forsberg” echoed through the arena in the first quarter of an hour. After 324 competitive games, the Swede played what was probably his last home game. After Poulsen, the Swede is the most used player in the Saxon club’s short history.
His move to sister club New York Red Bulls was officially confirmed by both clubs shortly after the final whistle. Forsberg has signed with the MLS franchise as a designated player – i.e. a player who is not subject to the salary cap – until the end of 2026 with an option for 2027. It was initially not known whether a transfer fee would be due. When the rumor first arose, it was also said that Leipzig wanted to sign a replacement in the event of Forsberg’s early departure.
In the stands, New York sports director Jochen Schneider, once a board member at Schalke, and new coach Sandro Schwarz personally examined the offensive man’s performance again after he was substituted in the 66th minute – and he did not disappoint them. In an NYRB press release, Schneider said: “We are very pleased to be able to add a player of Emil’s caliber to our club. The experience he gained in Europe is a great asset to our squad. We are grateful for the support of Red Bull Soccer. This transfer underlines Red Bull’s philosophy of high-intensity and attacking football and the strength of our cross-club ecosystem, from which our club will benefit.”
RB Leipzig coach Rose replaces Forsberg for the win against Hoffenheim
Previously, those responsible in New York initially saw a one-sided game. The Hoffenheim team, who arrived with five away wins, only played at the back against the Saxons. However, RB initially had few creative solutions when it came to the constant running. TSG countered now and then. After winning the ball, the guests quickly switched to the advantage, but Simakan was able to clear Ihlas Bebou’s shot from a half-right position (24′) for a corner.
On the other side, John Anthony Brooks headed a corner (26′) almost into his own goal. Then Benjamin Henrichs (29th) tried a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area that went over the goal. A few seconds later, Poulsen was denied by TSG keeper Oliver Baumann after a through pass from Christoph Baumgartner.
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It was a game of patience for the German cup winners. After a free kick, Poulsen headed the ball into the center, where Simakan was initially denied by a defender, and Klostermann (34′) heaved the rebounding ball into the goal from two meters. But the goal was more of a wake-up call for Hoffenheim. After a free kick, Kabak (42nd) headed the equalizer. The RB keeper Janis Blaswich who ran out didn’t catch the ball. Even before the half-time whistle, Kevin Vogt knocked over the otherwise pale Lois Openda in the penalty area with no chance of the ball, and the Leipzig team vehemently demanded a penalty – to no avail.
After the substitution, Baumann was powerless when Xavi Simons (50th) shot from 16 meters, but the ball bounced off the inside post and back into the field. Leipzig continued to have difficulty building up the game. Forsberg was to change that after a good hour. Before he was substituted on, he received a hug from Rose. It echoed in front of the stands: “Here we go.” After an Openda cross, Poulsen (69′) sailed past the ball a meter in front of the goal. Then Openda found Forsberg with a long ball. He took the ball at full speed and hammered it into the corner in the 71st minute. A minute later, the Swede sent Openda straight, but Baumann failed. Then Forsberg hit the crossbar after a corner and Simakan chased the rebounding ball over the line. This made Forsberg’s farewell evening perfect.
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