Sunday May 16, 2021
Wolves play Champions League
Penalty ensures RB Leipzig the runner-up title
It didn’t work out with the cup triumph. But a strong fighting performance ensures RB Leipzig at least second place in the Bundesliga. Opponent VfL Wolfsburg meanwhile qualify for the Champions League.
Three days after losing the cup final, RB Leipzig reported back with a strong fighting performance and secured the runner-up in the Bundesliga. The Saxons won 2: 2 (0: 2) against VfL Wolfsburg after a 2-2 deficit at the break and can therefore no longer be displaced from second place. In the end, the point was enough for Wolfsburg to safely qualify for the upcoming Champions League.
Maximilian Philipp (12th minute) gave Wolfsburg the lead with a dream goal when he hit the ball from 18 meters into the corner. In stoppage time in the first half, the loan from Dinamo Moscow added his fifth goal of the season. Leipzig countered shortly after the break with Justin Kluivert (51st), captain Marcel Sabitzer (78th) equalized with a penalty kick.
RB coach Julian Nagelsmann had changed his team to eight positions compared to the 1: 4 in the cup final against Dortmund. That gave Konrad Laimer the opportunity to celebrate his starting line-up comeback after almost nine months of injury to the day. VfL had to do without Josip Brekalo for a short time, as the Croatian who had played brilliantly last time injured himself in the final training session when he hit his ankle with a punch. Nevertheless, Wolfsburg was the more dangerous and robust team for one half. National player Ridle Baku (6th) appeared alone in front of RB keeper Peter Gulacsi, but pushed the ball just past the far post. Philipp then did better when he skilfully let the ball slip over the instep after his goal after a technically strong assumption.
Foul, video evidence, penalty kick
Leipzig combined nicely up to the penalty area, but missed almost any goal danger. VfL was different: Wout Weghorst (25th) simply pulled away from the edge of the penalty area, but his flick smacked against the post. Then a volley from the Dutchman was deflected after a corner (38th), but the ball sailed a few centimeters past the post. Shortly before the break, Baku danced Willi Orban on the right side, Philipp spitzed his cross into the goal.
Nagelsmann responded and brought Angeliño and Amadou Haidara. But the connection was done by others. Sabitzer’s long ball found Kluivert, who let Kevin Mbabu out with two hooks and hit effortlessly from close range. Wolfsburg now looked tired, Leipzig had more of the game – but no outstanding chances to equalize.
Then Kluivert (67th) was dangerous after a long ball, but Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels saved strongly. Nagelsmann increased the pace again, brought Hee-chan Hwang (69th) for the tired Kluivert. Haidara was then involved in the creation of the compensation. The Malian international was fouled in the penalty area by Paulo Otavio, referee Felix Zwayer decided on a penalty after video evidence. Captain Sabitzer transformed for sure.
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