Bundesliga - Openda and Poulsen score: Leipzig beat Heidenheim
As expected, RB Leipzig have managed to turn things around after two consecutive defeats. The DFB Cup winners prevailed 2:1 (2:1) against promoted 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday and temporarily climbed back into a Champions League place. In front of 44,887 spectators, Loïs Openda (29th penalty) and Yussuf Poulsen (44th) gave Leipzig a clear lead before Benedikt Gimber (45+2) reduced the deficit. In the end, Leipzig remained unbeaten in the Bundesliga against a newly promoted team.
Only Leipzig's Poulsen was left over from the first duels between the two teams in the 2013/14 third division season. However, Leipzig's focus was on a different player. Difference player Xavi Simons was in danger of being ruled out after falling on his shoulder in the 3-2 defeat at Manchester City, but reported fit in time.
Driven by the Dutch international, Leipzig initially dominated the game and looked to take an early lead. Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt tried to soften the pressure with a more defensive formation. US international Lennard Maloney moved back from defensive midfield to the center of the back five.
However, Leipzig did not let this bother them. Openda, who had scored twice in Manchester, had the lead on his feet after just two minutes. However, the Belgian international striker shot over the goal from six meters. Three minutes later, FCH goalkeeper Kevin Müller made a great save from Poulsen. The Dane looked liberated after his goal in the 2-1 draw in Wolfsburg, but still lacked precision in his finishing.
And Heidenheim? Suddenly had a great chance to take the lead. Marvin Pieringer (14) appeared completely free in front of the Leipzig goal, but put his unchallenged header just wide of the target. Heidenheim then helped out. Norman Theuerkauf pulled Openda off his feet in the penalty area and the 23-year-old converted the spot-kick safely.
The game then flattened out a little before it became really confusing shortly before half-time. David Raum made a strong break down the left wing and played a pass through to Poulsen - who was luckier this time. His effort trickled through Müller's legs and into the goal. A preliminary decision, you thought. But after a corner in stoppage time, Gimber was on hand to unexpectedly reduce the deficit.
However, that did not throw Leipzig off their stride. Christoph Baumgartner (47) tried to restore the gap with a lob over Müller. The keeper saved, but the ball landed at the feet of Poulsen. This time, the Dane was too indecisive in front of the empty goal and wasted his time. RB pressed for the third goal, but lacked precision, as with Xaver Schlager's shot (55') on the outside of the net.
As the game became increasingly flat, RB coach Marco Rose brought on two new impulses from the bench in Emil Forsberg and Benjamin Sesko. Forsberg's first action saw him set up Openda (78'), who failed to hit the post from an acute angle.
Website Bundesliga Squad RB Leipzig RB Leipzig on Twitter The match on the Bundesliga website Squad Heidenheim
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- Frank Schmidt, the coach of Heidenheim, employed a more defensive strategy to alleviate Leipzig's early pressure.
- Yussuf Poulsen, a key player for Leipzig, had previous encounters with Heidenheim during their 2013/14 third division days.
- Despite Heidenheim's defensive strategy, Leipzig continued to dominate, with Poulsen and Xavi Simons leading the charge.
- Leipzig's Bundesliga record against newly promoted teams remained unblemished, thanks to their 2:1 victory over Heidenheim.
- Heidenheim also had a chance to take the lead, with Marvin Pieringer's header narrowly missing the target.
- Xaver Schlager's shot in the 55th minute sailed wide, leaving Leipzig without the crucial third goal.
- Born in Baden-Württemberg, Frank Schmidt has had a successful coaching career, leading Heidenheim from the Regionalliga to the Bundesliga.
- Yussuf Poulsen continued to shine for Leipzig, scoring twice in Manchester, but struggled with precision in front of goal against Heidenheim.
- In the face of Leipzig's relentless pressure, Xavi Simon, the Netherlands international, returned to the field fit and ready to make an impact.
Source: www.stern.de
