RB Leipzig defeat Wolfsburg 3-0

After two games without a victory in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig returned to winning ways, beating VfL Wolfsburg 3-0 on matchday 21. Christopher Nkunku came on in the second half to make his return from injury.

The Red Bulls enjoyed a dominant first half and had the lead in the 14th minute when Emil Forsberg hit a half volley off the inside of the post from the edge of the area. Marco Rose’s side had chances to increase their lead but André Silva couldn’t turn home from close range (39’) and Dominik Szoboszlai had a free kick bounce off the woodwork (41’).

The second half was more open, with the home side looking to attack more. Willi Orbán had the first chance early on, but his header went over from close range (47’), before Lukas Nmecha forced Janis Blaswich into a brilliant save at the other end (49’). Micky van de Ven blocked another shot from Silva on the goalline from close range (57’) to keep his side in it, but the introduction of Poulsen, Laimer and Nkunku helped put the game to bed. Despite missing the chance for a goalscoring return (81’), Christo instead became provider when he slotted through Konrad Laimer, who finished into the far corner (85’). Dominik Szoboszlai found the back of the net with a powerful shot in added time to put the game beyond all doubt (90+3’).

Match information:

VfL Wolfsburg:
Casteels – Bornauw, van de Ven, Otavio (46′ Lacroix), Waldschmidt (46′ Marmoush), Baku, F. Nmecha (75′ Ambros), Wind (59′ L. Nmecha), Arnold (C), Gerhardt, Wimmer (59′ Svanberg)

Unused subs: Pervan – Fischer, Guilavogui, Franjić

RB Leipzig:
Blaswich – Orbán (C), Haidara (88′ Kampl), Forsberg (75′ Laimer), Werner (75′ Poulsen), Klostermann, Szoboszlai, Silva (69′ Nkunku), Raum (88′ Halstenberg), Schlager, Gvardiol

Unused subs: Nyland – Simakan, Clark, Henrichs

REFEREE:
Deniz Aytekin (Oberasbach)

GOALS:
0-1 Forsberg (14′). 0-2 Laimer (85′), 0-3 Szoboszlai (90+2′)

ATTENDANCE:
24,831 | Volkswagen Arena

YELLOW CARDS:
Bornauw (5th of season) | Raum (3rd)

First half highlights:

1ST MINUTE:

Underway in Wolfsburg. Let’s go, RBL!

3RD MINUTE:

Ridle Baku works a corner for his side, which is delivered by Arnold but doesn’t cause any real problems.

11TH MINUTE:

Timo Werner breaks through down the left-hand side and looks for Silva in the middle, but the ball is blocked by a Wolfsburg defender.

14TH MINUTE, GOOOAAAAL FOR LEIPZIG:

First shot, first goal! After a duel on the edge of the Wolfsburg area, the ball falls to Forsberg. He hits is first time on the half volley into the back of the net via the inside of the post!

18TH MINUTE:

RBL are looking very confident. André Silva delivers a dangerous cross but it’s not met by a teammate.

24 MINUTE:

Leipzig have been in control, looking convincing going forward while pressing Wolfsburg high when out of possession.

39TH MINUTE:

Nearly 2-0! Forsberg finds Raum on the left, who shoots across goal. Casteels saves, and Silva can’t turn the rebound home.

41ST MINUTE:

Dominik Szoboszlai in action goes for goal from a free kick around 30 metres out, it deeps just a little bit too late and bounces off the top of the crossbar.

HALF TIME:

A very dominant first half from RB Leipzig! Emil Forsberg’s strike is the only goal of the game despite a number of chances to increase the lead.

First half in photos

Second half highlights:

46TH MINUTE:

The home side make a double change. Marmoush and Lacroix replace Waldschmidt and Paulo Otavio.

48TH MINUTE:

A positive start! A corner is taken short and the ball is played to the far post where Willi Orbán has acres of space. Unfortunately he can’t get his header on target from close range.

50TH MINUTE:

First real sign of danger from Wolfsburg. Nmecha chests the ball down on the edge of the area and shoots across gaol on the turn. Janis Blaswich dives to his right to make a strong one-armed save.

57TH MINUTE:

Szobo gets into the penalty area and cuts across to Silva, but defender van de Ven blocks on the line.

69TH MINUTE:

Welcome back Christopher Nkunku! He’s off the bench to replace Silva.

73RD MINUTE:

Maximilian Arnold hits a powerful free kick from the edge of the area, Blaswich punches away.

81ST MINUTE:

Nearly the perfect comeback! Nkunku is slipped in behind by Poulsen but he puts his shot just over the bar.

85TH MINUTE, GOOOAAALL FOR RBL:

Christo finds fellow substitute Konrad Laimer, hits a left-footed shot across goal into the far corner.

93RD MINUTE, GOOOAAALL FOR RBL:

Szobo tops a strong performance with a goal, powering in from the edge of the are!