RB Leipzig still has a good chance of getting a place in the Champions League. A 3:2 (3:1) win against FC Augsburg.
Timo Werner wrapped himself in a thick down jacket and after the final whistle came off the bench and happily high-fived his team-mates. His brace (32nd/35th) within three minutes secured RB Leipzig three important points in the fight for a place in the upcoming Champions League in the hard-fought 3: 2 (3: 1) against FC Augsburg.
“We played a perfect first half. Everything worked out there, not just for me. In the end we defended it well and, overall, we deserved to win,” mused Werner.
The objective for the Saxons is clear: “We’re fighting for the Champions League. If we play like this, nobody will get us,” said the national striker.
Werner outstanding – Nkunku celebrates comeback
Werner was certainly the most conspicuous of the Leipzig team, who, however, still had to fear for victory in the second round. The comeback of the recently struck striker Christopher Nkunku crowned the successful afternoon for RB.
Kevin Kampl (10′) and Werner (32’/35′) turned the game around for the DFB Cup winner, who had fallen behind early on through Arne Maier (5′). Ruben Vargas (82nd) managed the connection goal.
The Augsburgers, who had to do without several top performers such as international players Mergim Berisha, Ermedin Demirovic and goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz, remain without a win for the fifth time in a row.
Augsburg uses the very first chance
Leipzig had to digest an early shock. In FCA’s first attack, Leipzig’s defensive coordination was flawed, Maier used the free space in the penalty area and scored the lead.
Nevertheless, Leipzig remained the activated team and quickly rewarded themselves. After another good preparatory work by Werner, who asserted himself on the right wing and used his speed, Kampl brought Leipzig back into the encounter.
RB continued to shift the game strongly into the Augsburg half. Leipzig sometimes made too little of the big plus in ball possession, but could rely on Werner.
The attacker only scored the lead and shortly afterwards added something worth seeing. It was the second Bundesliga brace of the season for the 27-year-old. Leipzig withdrew a little until the break, but did not get into any defensive difficulties.
RB had everything under control even after the change of sides. The Saxons patiently looked for gaps in the build-up game, but didn’t have to take any risks. Augsburg, for their part, had big problems on offense, rarely found solutions and often gave away possession after a few stops. Great opportunities were scarce. Only the Vargas goal made the game exciting again.
Nkunku should provide new impetus on the Leipzig side. The French offensive star celebrated a 20-minute comeback after an injury break of several weeks.
RB Leipzig – FC Augsburg: The voices
Marco Rose (RB Leipzig coach): “We’re really happy about the important three points and nice goals. We reacted well to being quickly behind. It was a super open game at the back. I want us to finish games like this more consistently.”
Enrico Maassen (FC Augsburg coach): “If you want to take something with you here, you also need a little bit of luck. We were able to shape the game at eye level in many phases and showed great morale. I was hoping for 3: 3. Unfortunately that didn’t work out. The way and The way the team performed was really good.”
RB Leipzig – FC Augsburg: The data for the game
Leipzig: Blaswich – Klostermann, Orban, Gvardiol – Henrichs, Kampl (79th Laimer), Haidara, Raum (85th Halstenberg) – Szoboszlai (85th Diallo), Timo Werner (85th Silva), Olmo (73rd Nkunku). – Coach: Rose
