Xavi and Lois Openda goals power RBL to 2-0 win over Gladbach

3 points at home!

Die Roten Bullen welcomed Borussia Mönchengladbach in the primetime game for the Bundesliga’s Saturday night match, and came out 2-0 winners after a confident performance in front of the home fans.

Xavi finishes off a fantastic ball from Poulsen
Our boys came out hot and quickly took control of the game in the Red Bull Arena, led by the always-reliable Yussuf Poulsen. He tested the goalkeeper for the first time just moments into the game, and then turned provider on the very next attacking sequence, playing a beautiful ball into Xavi who finished beautifully to make it 1-0 (14′).

Worth the Wait
RB Leipzig kept their foot on the gas heading into the second half – and through Lois Openda they took a deserving 2-0 lead (57′). Benjamin Sesko (73′) and Benjamin Henrichs (80′) would come close later in the match, but in the end the score ended in a confident 2-0 victory.

Football takes a back seat:

It was a day that will unfortunately also be remembered as a tragic day. On the way to Leipzig, a member of the Borussia Mönchengladbach fan scene died in a traffic accident. Then after the game began, a fan in the home stand collapsed and attempts to save him were unsuccessful.

The tragic incidents, of course, were felt in the stadium with a more muted, somber atmosphere in both fan stands. We are deeply hurt and all our thoughts go out to the families affected in this difficult moment. May they rest in peace.

RBL vs BMG

Borussia’s big dream | Gladbach under the microscope

Leipzig on Fire! Our new special kit

BUNDESLIGA | RB LEIPZIG – Bor. M’gladbach

STARTING LINEUPS

RBL: Gulacsi – Henrichs, Klostermann (23′ Simakan), Orban (C), Raum (78′ Castello Jr.) – Haidara (67′ Seiwald), Schlager – Xavi, Olmo (78′ Baumgartner) – Openda, Poulsen (67′ Sesko)

BMG: Nicolas – Itakura (69′ Friedrich), Elvedi, Wöber (56′ Ngoumou) – Scally (56′ Lainer), Reitz (85′ Fukuda), Weigl, Kone, Netz – Hack (69′ Honorat), Jordan

RBL Substitutes: Blaswich, Bitshiabu, Elmas, Kampl

BMG Substitutes: Olschowsky, Chiarodia, Herrmann, Ranos

Goals

1:0 Xavi (14′), 2:0 Lois Openda (57′)

Yellow cards

RBL: Schlager (27′)

BMG: Elvedi (8′), Itakura (33′), Kone (44′), Weigl (46′), Jordan (83′)

Referees

First Referee: Sören Storks
First Assistant: Thorben Siewer
Second Assistant: Philipp Hüwe
Fourth Official: Richard Hempel
Video Assistant: Johann Pfeifer

Attendance

44,822 at Red Bull Arena

2′: Leipzig on Fire

Our boys start like a house on fire! Dani Olmo gets through after a quick counter by Yussi Poulsen, who breaks away in the penalty area at the right moment. Gladbach keeper Nicolas gets there just in time and clears Yussi’s dangerous attempt on goal for a corner.

14′: Xavi’s moment of brilliance makes it 1-0

What an attack that was! After Dani Olmo fails to beat Nicolas in the Gladbach goal with a long-range shot, but the squad had something to celebrate just moments later.

Yussi Poulsen skillfully let the ball fall into Xavi’s path – and he volleys it in from almost 14 meters. The ball rippled the net after a powerful left-footed shot. The lead we deserve!

18′: The possibility of the 2-0 is in the air

The boys are really in the mood today! Lois Openda finds Yussi Poulsen in the middle, who again sets up Xavi. The young Dutchman takes a direct shot from just a few meters out, but Nicolas keeps out Leipzig’s second goal.

23′: Get well soon, Klosti

Lukas Klostermann goes down after a Gladbach corner. It looks to be a non-contact injury for our central defender. Mo Simakan comes into the game for Klosti.

40′: Lois Openda thwarted by Nicolas

Nice offensive move by RB Leipzig: Lois Openda is sent into space with a long ball, and our number 17 shows off his signature speed. He gets space to shoot from the right edge of the penalty area, but Nicolas gets his fingertips on it. An offside call in the buildup after the shot means it wouldn’t have counted anyway.

55′: Xavi sets the tone

RB Leipzig gets the ball in their own penalty area and springs immediately into a counterattack. Dani Olmo finds Xavi, who doesn’t hesitate to challenge the goal from the left side of the penalty area. The shot ends up just too central and Nicolas makes the save.

57′: Lois Openda stunner makes it 2-0

And just like that, RBL doubles their lead. Xaver Schlager puts Lois, who is lurking just on the offside line, in on goal with a fine chipped pass.

The rest is pure goalscoring instinct. Lois takes a peek at the opposing goalkeeper and coldly lobs the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

73′: Xavi gets going

Almost 3-0! Xavi drives the ball through the midfield and then has his eye on Benjamin Sesko. He goes for goal and fires a shot from the right in the box, forcing an outstretched save from Nicolas to clear the powerful right-footed shot for a corner.