Meanwhile, the Berliners were happy about a much-needed sense of achievement. After three defeats in a row across all competitions, Union increased its buffer in the relegation zone. The lull in the storm that coach Steffen Baumgart had previously complained about (“This is really getting on my nerves”) ended thanks to goals from Oliver Burke (57th), Ilyas Ansah (64th) and Tim Skarke (90th + 3). Tidiam Gomis, who had recently been substituted, scored for RB (60th).
In a disjointed opening phase, both teams found it difficult to get into the game. Union made too many mistakes with the stick, and RB also acted too poorly in possession of the ball and initially did not pose any real threat to Union keeper Frederik Rönnow’s goal.
Leipzig’s greatest asset was the in-form Yan Diomande. On the left wing, the 19-year-old Ivorian kept the Berlin defense busy with his quick starts and dribbling, which also gave him the first opportunity of the game. Rönnow prevented the culmination of a solo worth seeing (16th). At the following corner, the Dane parried Christoph Baumgartner’s header (18th) in his 100th competitive game in the RB Leipzig jersey.
The Leipzig phase of urgency only lasted for a short time. RB continued to struggle to find solutions against Berlin’s dense defense and to play in the final third. The Köpenickers often relied on long balls in their offensive actions, but these did not pose any problems for Leipzig. Both teams neutralized each other as the uneventful first half progressed. Immediately before the half-time whistle, Janik Haberer (45.+1) appeared free in front of the Leipzig goal, but seemed surprised himself after a cross and missed from close range.
In the second half, which was initially characterized by intense duels, Union became bolder and rewarded themselves. First Burke ended the Berlin attackers’ dry spell, then strike partner Ansah followed up and restored the old lead. RB continued to struggle as a result.
Worth a look
