Tuesday, December 7th, 2021
Europa League goal achieved
Leipzig can flash Guardiola’s B-Elf
The minimum goal has been achieved, RB Leipzig will still play European Cup in the spring. But no longer in the Champions League, the win against Manchester City doesn’t change that. But the Saxons manage to secure their place in the Europa League.
RB Leipzig has said goodbye to the Champions League with its head held high and is hibernating thanks to a prestigious success in the European Cup. At the end of the group stage, the German runner-up defeated the English champions Manchester City, trained by Pep Guardiola, 2-1 (1-0) and qualified for the Europa League on their own two days after the separation from coach Jesse Marsch.
Dominik Szoboszlai (24th) and Andre Silva (71st) ensured the Leipzig goals. Riyad Mahrez (77th) shortened, City’s Kyle Walker (83rd) saw the red card. Due to the success, the Saxons were not dependent on the rifle aid from Paris St. Germain. The star eleven qualified for the knockout round, including world footballer Lionel Messi, defeated Club Bruges in the parallel game of Group A, as RB had hoped.
In Leipzig, the signs point to change. Marsch was dismissed on Sunday after only five months in office. Achim Beierlorzer, assistant coach under the American, will probably look after Leipzig until the end of the first half of the season. The search for a new head coach is in full swing. “It is now up to the team to press a reset button and actively look ahead,” said Beierlorzer.
“Training game” clearly recognizable
In the initial phase, however, Manchester’s great individual quality was initially evident. City combined safely, kept the ball in its own ranks and offered Leipzig no room for development. However, the prominent team rarely became dangerous. Kevin De Bruyne (17th) missed one of the few good chances. Manchester had already been confirmed as group winners. The former Bayern coach Guardiola described the appearance at the ghost game in Leipzig in advance as a “perfect training game” for his team. This also had a negative impact. City often didn’t seem focused in the crucial moments.
Body language was right at Leipzig. RB defended attentively, bridged the midfield with quick passes after the tough start and came up with opportunities. Konrad Laimer, who had just failed himself, cleared Szoboszlai with a good overview – the Hungarian scored confidently. Leipzig could have increased as a result. Emil Forsberg (26th), but above all attacker Andre Silva (39th) missed the best opportunities. The fact that the Portuguese headed city keeper Zack Steffen from a few meters almost retaliated in return. Phil Foden (41.) hit the post after a good rescue act by RB captain Peter Gulacsi. Shortly afterwards, the goalkeeper was able to excel again with a free kick from De Bruyne (44th).
After the break, it was mainly the substitute Raheem Sterling that raised the alarm on the Leipzig defense with his speed. However, RB did not only hold up well against the Englishman. The Bundesliga club rarely created its own chances, but was then on the spot. Silva completed an exemplary counterattack. Mahrez made it exciting again.