The preparation for the Champions League clash against the seemingly overpowering Real Madrid did not go according to Marco Rose’s wishes. However, in the Leipzig coach’s opinion, the Royals could still come at exactly the right time. They want to get the feeling “where we want to go. This might be a good moment to feel that,” said Rose after the botched dress rehearsal.
In a fast-paced showdown with FC Augsburg, Rose’s team couldn’t get past a 2-2 (1-1) draw and repeatedly showed themselves to be vulnerable to counterattacks. “In the end, we can’t be satisfied. If we want to play up there, we have to play exactly the same games as in Augsburg,” criticized left-back David Raum.
Sesko thinks Real are “beatable”
The Leipzig team missed out on putting pressure on Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart in the long-distance duel for a direct Champions League starting place. The cup winners are three points behind and Stuttgart still has a game in hand.
And now comes Real. “I’m happy, these are highlight games,” said captain Willi Orban. And goalscorer Benjamin Sesko even announced: “They can be beaten. I think we can do it, it’s just up to us.”
Openda awards from the point
In the lively exchange of blows in front of 28,510 spectators, the Leipzig team proved their worth against Toni Kroos three days before the first leg of the round of 16 in the premier class
Augsburg’s captain Ermedin Demirovic (60th), who comes from the RB youth team, equalized against Leipzig, who were too sedate in their backward movement. “For this we have to run back differently than we did today in the 59th minute,” warned Rose, referring to a “strong Real Madrid”.
Folding chair on the lawn
Openda (81′) failed with a penalty kick to goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, who had previously knocked over Mohamed Simakan. It was a great chance for the second three in a row. “He scored the last two, so why shouldn’t he shoot now?” Rose defended the Belgian striker, but at the same time admitted that penalties were “already an issue for us.”
Fans again protested in Augsburg against the entry of an investor into the German Football League. “Sustainable growth instead of quick money” read one banner. The game had to be briefly interrupted in the 24th minute after a few tennis balls and even a folding chair were thrown into the penalty area by Augsburg goalkeeper Dahmen. Some Augsburg fans also left their block and positioned themselves in front of the fence inside the stadium with a view of the pitch.
After halftime it’s up and down
After a tough initial phase, there was enough to see there. Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi only let a strong shot from Ruben Vargas bounce high forward, Tietz was successful in the follow-up shot with his left. Shortly afterwards, Openda rose in the penalty area after a cross from David Raum and nodded in his 15th goal of the season to equalize.
In the second 45 minutes it was up and down. Sesko headed a perfect cross from Dani Olmo with his head. Just five minutes later, the Slovenian striker missed the preliminary decision when he hit the right post. While Xavi Simons missed the preliminary decision for Leipzig, Demirovic heaved the ball under the crossbar after a counter move to equalize. According to video evidence, Openda missed the opportunity from the spot in the final phase.
