Sebastian Hoeneß’s side were initially pressed high up the pitch by their visitors at the MHPArena, but soon settled into their rhythm and took the lead in the 23rd minute when Enzo Millot converted from the spot following a handball by Mohamed Simakan.
Undav doubles the lead
Deniz Undav provided a clinical finish to a counter-attack just five minutes later to put VfB 2-0 up, but Leipzig responded quickly and pulled a goal back through Benjamin Sesko 120 seconds later. Josha Vagnoman (41’) and Jamie Leweling (45’+3) squandered further openings for VfB, leaving the match finely poised at 2-1 at half-time.
Wild second half
VfB began on the front foot after the break and made it 3-1 in the 48th minute through Leweling’s volley, only for Lois Openda to reduce the deficit a short while later. There was plenty more to come from an impressive VfB side, though, with Undav making it 4-2 in the 57th minute before completing his hat-trick in the 75th to round out a 5-2 victory.
The players left the pitch to a standing ovation from the fans, having consolidated third place in the table with three points from their first home game of 2024.
Goals
25th minute: Millot confidently buries a penalty into the corner to put VfB 1-0 up.
30th minute: Leipzig lose possession and VfB quicky break on the counter, with Undav providing the neat finish to make it 2-0.
32nd minute: Sesko heads in a David Raum corner to pull a goal back for Leipzig.
48th minute: Chris Führich’s teasing cross into the box is cushioned back by Vagnoman for Leweling, who toe-pokes home a volley for 3-1.
55th minute: A Leipzig counter-attack ends with Openda firing in from distance to make it 3-2.
57th minute: Führich flicks on a corner to Undav, who heads in from close range.
75th minute: Following a free-kick, Undav’s shot is saved by Leipzig goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, but the VfB forward pounces on the rebound to seal a 5-2 win!