- The feminine football squad of RB Leipzig commences their new season with a victory.
First Victory for Jonas Stephan in His Women's Bundesliga Debut with RB Leipzig. The squad led by the 32-year-old coach, new to women's football, triumphed over 1. FC Köln with a score of 2-1 (1-1). RB netted twice through Vanessa Fudalla (31st minute) and Julia Landenberger (55th), while Köln scored once through Vanessa Leimenstoll (50th).
Cologne's Guests initiated strongly, exerting high pressure and maintaining an aggressive tempo. Leipzig attempted to slow down the game, but the high pressure gave them trouble.
As the first half wound down, Cologne's Anna-Lena Stolze suffered a suspected serious knee injury and was substituted. Subsequently, Leipzig had their chance. Following a cross from Jenny Hipp, the 1.55m tall striker Fudalla headed the ball in. Marleen Schimmer (44th) almost doubled the lead, but her 12-meter shot was saved by Köln's goalkeeper, Paula Hoppe.
Shortly after the restart, Leimenstoll, who replaced the injured Stolze, scored an impressive goal into the top corner. However, RB retaliated. Following a corner, Landenberger headed the ball in at the far post to make it 2-1.
In the final 15 minutes, coach Stephan introduced more defensive players to secure the win. RB's goalkeeper Elvira Herzog made two remarkable saves in the 82nd and 84th minutes to secure the three points.
Despite Cologne's aggressive approach, it was the Women's Bundesliga debutants from RB Leipzig who primarily consisted of women players. After Cologne's Anna-Lena Stolze was substituted due to injury, Vanessa Fudalla scored the opening goal for Leipzig, marking a significant moment in Stephan's tenure.
