Once again, Timo Werner’s sense of space, timing and theatre ensured a win for his side and a standing ovation for the striker as he left the pitch in injury time.
But, despite the familiar headline-grabbing heroics of their star man, the 2-1 victory over visiting Hannover was the display of a side with the depth of squad, resources and mental fortitude to make a sustained title challenge.
Leipzig’s first season in the Champions League has seen Ralph Hasenhüttl shuffle his pack much more than last year, when a settled eleven took the Bundesliga by storm early on. The sight of Emil Forsberg and Naby Keita on the bench for a game against the side a place below them in the table would have been unthinkable this time last year. Saturday’s eleven was the eastern club’s youngest ever Bundesliga starting line-up.
With an hour gone, it looked like Hasenhüttl had dealt himself a hand unsuitable for such a challenge. Leipzig were missing Keita’s bite in the middle and Forsberg’s knack of cracking open the game with a pass.
Jonathas (center) gave Hannover a second half lead
Visitor’s width caused problems
Hannover, who have impressed all season despite their off-field problems, were good value for the 1-0 lead they’d secured just after the break. Andre Breitenreiter’s back five were well-organised and kept Werner and Yussuf Poulsen quiet but Hannover were also able to take advantage of Leipzig’s narrow midfield on the break, with wide forwards Ihlas Bebou, excellent again after a brace against Dortmund last weekend, and Felix Klaus menacing throughout.
The goal that gave Hannover the lead was justification of Breitenreiter’s tactics. Bebou dummied and span as he looked to receive the ball from deep. It ran through to Jonathas, who sent it back out to the Togolese who then returned the favor, allowing the Brazilian to score his third in six Bundesliga games.
By that point Forsberg had been on the pitch three minutes and Keita was on five minutes later. With Hannover’s efforts off the ball taking their toll, the pair were able to exert their influence almost immediately. It was the Swede who made the equalizer, picking the lock to set Werner free before he squared to Poulsen for a simple tap in.
Demonstration of strength
Keita ensured that Leipzig wouldn’t stop there, driving through the tiring Hannover midfield to set up a pair of chances for Poulsen to double his tally, both were passed up. To their credit, Hannover still found the energy to summon a couple of half chances but as the clock ticked down, quality told. Again Forsberg was instrumental, his intelligent run ended with a pull back to Werner, who adjusted his body, flicked out a boot and won the game.
A home win over a Hannover side who are impressive but over-achieving is nothing out of the ordinary for a side with aspirations and resources the size of Leipzig’s – and the lack of penetration when missing a couple of key men is something of a concern.
But using your squad to find a way to win games when you’re up against it, is a hallmark of contenders. RB Leipzig may not prevent a sixth straight Bayern Munich title this season but they’ve once again shown they have the tools to compete, both now and in the future.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
SC Freiburg 0-1 Schalke 04
Daniel Caligiuri (r) celebrates with Bastian Oczipka after scoring the winner for Schalke in a close match against SC Freiburg. Caligiuri’s shot was deflected past Alexander Schwolow in the 62nd minute to give the Royal Blues their third win in four games.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
RB Leipzig 2-1 Hannover
Germany international Timo Werner celebrates after putting RB Leipzig ahead against Hannover with just five minutes remaining. The 21-year-old tapped home from short range after Emil Forsberg had volleyed across goal. Earlier, Werner had set up Yussuf Poulsen’s equalizer for the Red Bull franchise.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-1 Mainz 05
Defender Jannik Vestergaard gets up above the Mainz defense to head home the equalizing goal for Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Foals have dropped to seventh in the Bundesliga table.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
Augsburg 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen’s Charles Aranguiz and Augsburg’s Michael Gregoritsch compete for the ball during their teams’ 1-1 draw. Both goals fell early in the second half as Augsburg’s Kevin Danso cancelled out Kevin Volland’s opener.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
Hamburg 3-1 Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart endured a disastrous start in Hamburg after BVB-loanee Dzenis Burnic was sent off for a second yellow card after just 13 minutes. Seven minutes later, Hamburg took the lead when ex-Leicester City goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler fumbled Aaron Hunt’s free-kick over the line. Ginczek equalized from the spot for Stuttgart.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
Hamburg 3-1 Stuttgart
17-year-old Jann-Fiete Arp (l) celebrates scoring Hamburg’s third goal on what was his first Bundesliga start for the Red Shorts. The goal secured Hamburg’s first Bundesliga win since Matchday 2.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
All eyes are on Borussia Dortmund as they host Bayern Munich this weekend. Jupp Heynckes has won his last 6 since returning to the dugout, while his counterpart on the weekend has only won one of his last six. Something’s gotta give.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 Werder Bremen
Sebastien Haller was the hero for Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring a sensational 89th minute volley to win the game. It was Haller’s first shot of the game but his fifth goal of the season, as he underlines his importance to Niko Kovac’s side. Bremen, meanwhile, are without a Bundesliga win in 14. That stretches back to last season and is their longest ever run without a Bundesliga victory.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
Cologne vs. Hoffenheim
Having had victory snatched from them in the last moment in Istanbul, Hoffenheim will be keen to show they can win when they travel to Cologne. However, after Peter Stöger’s side scored five in their Europa League game, Julian Nagelsmann’s team could continue to frustrated.
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Bundesliga Matchday 11
Wolfsburg vs. Hertha Berlin
The question on everyone’s lips about this game is can Martin Schmidt’s side really draw another game? They have drawn six in a row since Schmidt took over – a Bundesliga record. Salomon Kalou and co. will be hoping to keep winning after securing a much-needed Europa League victory midweek.
Author: Jonathan Harding, Michael Da Silva
Article source: http://www.dw.com/en/bundesliga-rb-leipzig-rely-on-squad-depth-for-comeback-win-that-shows-title-credentials/a-41239562?maca=en-rss-en-sports-1027-xml-atom
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