RBL defeat Frankfurt 2-1

RB Leipzig picked up their second consecutive league win as they overcame Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on Bundesliga matchday 22.

Marco Rose’s side enjoyed a flying start to the game and could have gone ahead through chances to Emil Forsberg and Marcel Halstenberg, but it was Timo Werner who opened the scoring in the 6th minute. RBL continued to control the game and the closest Frankfurt came to a first-half goal was Philipp Max’s free kick, which was blocked by Yussuf Poulsen in the wall (38th). At the other end, the Werner-Forsberg connection bore fruit once again and this time it was Forsberg who was the scorer (40’), turning in from close range at the back post after Werner had got to the byline.

Eintracht had more chances in the second half, with RBL comfortable with a two-goal lead. Jesper Lindström and Randal Kolo Muani were each denied by Janis Blaswich (51’, 53’). Frankfurt continued to push for a goal and pulled one back through Djibril Sow (62’). Lindström forced Blaswich into another save soon after (66’), but RBL regained control of proceedings for the remainder of the game. In the closing phases with the visitors taking more risks in their pursuit of an equaliser, Leipzig were able to take advantage of more space in the final third and could have increased their lead through Konrad Laimer (85’) or André Silva (87’), but in the end saw out a one-goal advantage to take a 2-1 win and all three points.

Match info:

RB Leipzig:
Blaswich – Orbán (C), Poulsen (59′ Nkunku), Forsberg (69′ Haidara), Werner (69′ Silva), Szoboszlai, Halstenberg, Laimer, Gvardiol, Henrichs (90′ Simakan), Kampl (69′ Schlager)

Bench: Nyland – Simakan, Haidara, Nkunku, Silva, Raum, Schlager, Clark

Eintracht Frankfurt:
Trapp – Smolcic, Sow, Kolo Muani, Kamada (76′ Borré), Rode (C) (60′ Jakic), Hasebe (88′ Alario), Lindström, Max (60′ Buta), Tuta, Knauff (60′ Lenz)

Bench: Ramaj – Ndicka, Jakic, Alidou, Borré, Alario, Buta, Lenz, Aaronson

REFEREE:
Dr. Felix Brych (Munich)

GOALS:
1-0 Werner (7′), 2-0 Forsberg (40′), 2-1 Sow (62′)

ATTENDANCE:
47,069 | Red Bull Arena (sold out)

YELLOW CARDS:
Orbán (2nd of seaon), Laimer (5th) | Sow (5th), Hasebe (2nd)

First half highlights:

1ST MINUTE:

We’re underway at the Red Bull Arena.

3RD MINUTE:

First big change! Poulsen gets through on the right and Trapp saves his shot, but the rebound falls to Halstenberg. Unfortunately he can’t find the back of the net from close range.

5TH MINUTE:

RBL keep up the pressure. Szoboszlai finds Poulsen in the area and the ball ends up with Forsberg, but he pushes his shot just wide of the far post.

6TH MINUTE, GOOOAALL FOR RBL:

The early pressure pays off! Forsberg wins possession and quickly plays in Werner, who bears down on goal and, stumbling, slips the ball past Trapp and into the back of the net.

10TH MINUTE:

It’s been a great start from Marco Rose’s side, who are aggressive and applying pressure. Frankfurt are yet to make an impact on the game.

16TH MINUTE:

Frankfurt threaten for the first time as Kamada sends the ball forward to Kolo Muani, but RBL deal with it.

18TH MINUTE:

Werner is through again! He receives a ball from Laimer, but his touch is too far ahead of him and Trapp gets out to dive on the ball.

23RD MINUTE:

Laimer is involved again and he finds Szoboszlai who plays it to Werner, but his shot is blocked.

24TH MINUTE:

Leipzig win the ball and attack on a quick counter again. This time it’s Laimer who shoots, but Trapp saves.

25TH MINUTE:

Frankfurt look for a response and Kolo Muani’s cross is cleared by Gvardiol.

34TH MINUTE:

Will Orbán is shown a yellow card after a tackle on Kolo Muani, but Max hits the resulting free kick into the wall from a dangerous position.

39TH MINUTE, GOOAAAAL FOR RBL:

Szoboszlai finds Werner on the left, who gets to the byline and crosses to the far post, where Forsberg taps in from close range.

HALF TIME:

A strong performance has RB Leipzig two goals to the good at the break. Marco Rose’s side have dominated in duels and been quick in transition upon winning possession.