RB Leipzig lost a test match against Slask Wroclaw on Wednesday afternoon. In front of 261 spectators at the small stadium of the Leistungszentrum on Cottaweg, coach Jesse Marsch’s team lost 1:2 (1:2) to the current fifth-placed team in the Polish Ekstraklasa.
In the absence of the twelve international players, Leipzig understandably lacked fine-tuning and, especially in the first half, a number of simple ball losses favoured counterattacks by the visitors. They took the lead after 14 minutes with a spectacular goal. Waldemar Sobota (34), who played 141 second division games (13 goals) for FC St. Pauli between 2015 and 2020, outwitted RB keeper Josep Martinez with a shot from almost 60 metres away. The 2-0 lead for the Poles came from Spanish attacker Erik Exposito, who scored from close range after a careless ball loss by Leipzig centre-back Mohamed Simakan. For the home side, Christopher Nkunku scored – as he has done so often in recent times – after 42 minutes to reduce the deficit.
The Saxons did not manage to score any more goals because Benjamin Henrichs’ goal was disallowed for offside (73rd) and RB missed great chances in the final phase through U-19 players Jorden Winter (88th) and Robin Friedrich (90th +2) as well as Henrichs (90th +2). Despite the defeat, Marsch was satisfied with the test: “It was important for us to have the boys on the pitch for 90 minutes and to try out a few tactical things. Overall it was a successful day because we were able to use a lot of different players and also work on our fitness,” the coach said on the club’s Twitter channel.
Marsch is “particularly pleased” with Moriba
A clear opportunity to add a goal was also missed by Ilaix Moriba. The midfielder, who is regarded as a top talent and whom RB signed for 15 million from FC Barcelona, made his starting debut for Leipzig after a partial appearance last Saturday in the league against Bochum (3-0) and missed the 2:2 after 79 minutes free in front of Slask keeper Michal Szromnik. Otherwise, the 18-year-old struggled to find a connection with his colleagues and to organise the game. His technical ability shone through again and again, but Moriba lacked directness and penetrating power. Marsch, however, was “particularly pleased” with the addition, as he was quoted on Twitter, “he played very well. Today was a good day and a step forward for him. “
