RasenBallsport Leipzig is getting back on track under its new coach. At least on paper. In the end, coach Rose’s team had more luck than sense when they defeated Hertha BSC.
Sen points from three games – with this small streak, RasenBallsport Leipzig is back on the European Cup ranks after a false start to the season. On Saturday evening, the DFB Cup winners beat Hertha BSC 3-2 (3-0) and climbed up to ninth place in the table, one point behind Marco Rose’s former club Borussia Dortmund. The Berliners, on the other hand, who managed just one win in the first ten match days, have to prepare for a long season in the table basement despite a strong second half.
After recent quite appealing performances, the harmless Hertha had no chance against mercilessly efficient Leipzig before the break. The hosts really didn’t push the Berliners against the wall, but still led 3-0 at the break because they took advantage of almost every chance to score. Forsberg completed a quick attack (25′), Raum scored from a corner (30′) and Orban with a follow-up shot (45′).
After the change, the picture changed. This time, the Berliners used their chances immediately. Coach Sando Schwarz made a tactical change, taking Ivan Sunjic from the field for striker Wilfried Kanga. On the left side of defense, Marvin Plattenhardt had to make way for Maximilian Mittelstädt.
Kanga hits the post
When Diallo jumped a cross on his arm in the penalty area, there was a penalty, which Lukebakio converted confidently (62nd). When Jovetic reduced the lead to 2:3 just two minutes later with a shot from the turn, Leipzig finally swam.
Although the Saxons themselves had two great chances to decide, there was a lot more going on in front of their own goal. Berlin would have deserved the equalizer, but Jovetic (70th), Ejuke (81st), Selke (86th) and twice Kanga (90th + 4th), who first hit the post in added time and then free-standing with his head Goal missed, missed best chances to equalize.
