RB Leipzig once again missed out on possible early decisions, but at least they did not suffer a late setback. Instead, the runners-up in the top match against Dortmund were clearly better for long stretches, overwhelmingly superior and, in the end, just in time to score a very important 2:1. That also pleased FC Bayern.
Br Leipzig had played well many times so far this season, but like in the recent Bundesliga-1:1 in Frankfurt or the recent 2:2 in the Champions League against Paris St. Germain they had missed several chances to take the lead. That was not to happen this time against Bayern’s closest rival Borussia Dortmund – and lo and behold, the Saxons dominated the game from the start, putting BVB in their place with strong pressing and at the same time taking a highly deserved 1:0 lead at the break.
Initially, the omnipresent Nkunku, who could hardly be brought under control by the Westphalian defence, had failed to beat Kobel (13th minute), but in the 29th minute the time had come: After a rather calm build-up via Adams and Gvardiol, the latter had a brilliant idea and played the ball perfectly into the back of the defence to the attacker who was not offside. The Frenchman then easily got around Kobel, who had come out a little bit, put the ball into his hands again from an acute angle and then casually slid in the ball in front of Hummels, who was still jumping in, to make it 1:0.
The home side, who were once again playing with Poulsen instead of new signing Silva, were naturally delighted, especially as the once again restructured defence (Orban was also missing through injury alongside Halstenberg and Klostermann) did their job well. BVB coach Marco Rose, meanwhile, saw the next disappointing performance to date after the 1:3 against Ajax Amsterdam Without Haaland (hip flexor injury), especially the offensive forces Reus, Brandt, Malen managed far too little. Only Bellingham came closest to scoring a goal, but he shot at Malen, who continues to be unlucky (no Bundesliga goal in eleven appearances).
Nkunku is very unlucky
At the beginning of the second half, the Black and Yellows showed more courage, agility and ideas. Brandt scored right away (49th) – and after Poulsen (50th) and Szoboszlai (51st) had failed with their 2:0 attempts on the other side, it was suddenly 1:1 almost out of nowhere! Meunier put through a wonderful pass for Reus, who was not offside, and the captain kept his cool in front of Gulacsi and scored (52.).
There was a lot of tension in the Leipzig cauldron again, especially since the Saxons ran with rage in their bellies and wanted to take the lead again – but just didn’t get it despite a lot of pressure and good offensive play. But a Nkunku header, a narrow Simakan miss and a Szoboszlai finish all found their master in Kobel (60th) – and when Nkunku shot from a turn after two Zidane tricks in a row, the ball only banged against the left post (64th).
Poulsen still has seconds – and uses them
The really strong efforts of the Saxons were to pay off, however, in a thoroughly curious way. When Silva had already been available as a wild card for Poulsen, who was to be substituted, the Dane made his way into the Borussia sixteen for the last time, was served the ball by the strong Nkunku on the right in the five-metre area and scored from close range to make it 2-1 (68th).
Dortmund’s response to this second deficit was rather sparse, Hummels at least came close via a header (79th). Otherwise, only Joker Moukoko and Bellingham were still running (87th), while Adams missed the 3:1 after a slip by Kobel (90.+1). Leipzig kept the three points at home and moved further up the table. BVB, on the other hand, lost ground to leaders Bayern Munich (2-1 against Freiburg), who are now four points behind.
RBL’s next match after the international break is at TSG Hoffenheim on 20 November, while Dortmund host VfB Stuttgart at the same time.
