1. FC Union Berlin – RB Leipzig 3:1 (0:0)
RB Leipzig suffered its first dampener in the Bundesliga after several successes. The Saxons lost 1:3 (0:0) at the start of the 14th matchday at Union Berlin. They lost important points in the fight for Champions League qualification. Almost a week after the win against Eintracht Frankfurt (6-0), the RB offense lacked penetration. Over the course of the weekend they could lose second place in the table.
Meanwhile, the Berliners celebrated a much-needed sense of achievement. After three defeats in a row across all competitions, Union increased its buffer in the relegation zone. The goals were scored by Oliver Burke (57th minute), 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. One of Leipzig’s most noticeable offensive players at the start was Yan Diomande. On the left wing, he kept the Berlin defense busy with his quick starts and dribbling. The Leipzig attack phase only lasted 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 Leipzig but did not pose any problems. Both teams equalized as the uneventful first half progressed. Only in the second half, which was characterized by intense duels, did Union become bolder. RB continued to struggle as a result.
Union coach Steffen Baumgart praised the Berliners’ performance. “We played against one of the most in-form teams. We weren’t in a very positive trend in terms of results and I would say that we wrestled the opponent down and took a game home in our own way.”
Leipzig’s sports director Marcel Schäfer, however, admitted weaknesses in his team. “That shouldn’t happen to us like that. It’s very bitter and a shame. Unfortunately, the defeat is okay,” he said on Sky. “If we want to be a top team, we have to be extremely focused in every game. We didn’t do well in some phases. Union took advantage of that coldly.”
On Saturday, Bayer Leverkusen will face 1. FC Köln away from home. HSV welcomes Hoffenheim.
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