Emphatic victory, statement, declaration of intent – they could be many descriptions for the Leipzig performance last Saturday night. The RB performance was definitely impressive in the top match. The team from Saxony beat Schalke 04 5-0 away and thus made it clear: You have to take us into account again. After a brief dip at the start of the year where the team top of the winter break surrendered the lead and soon after were knocked out of the DFB Cup in a 3-1 defeat away to Eintracht Frankfurt, RB have been as impressive in recent games as they were for large parts of the first half of the season.
The Leipzig team have been particularly impressive over the past week. Away to Tottenham Hotspur, last year's finalists now coached by José Mourinho, Julian Nagelsmann's team deservedly won 1-0 to put themselves in an excellent position to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. A performance that demonstrates: Leipzig are not only a top team in the Bundesliga but also one of the top sides in Europe. After the outstanding display at Schalke, at the latest, it is also clear: This top team are definitely in top form ahead of the game against Bayer 04.
Leipzig further strengthened their already high-quality squad in the winter break – with the introduction of two Spaniards. The technically gifted Dani Olmo was brought in from Dinamo Zagreb and left back Angelino joined on loan from Manchester City. The latter slotted in straightaway as an attacking full-back and after only four appearances he is now a regular in the starting eleven with his first Bundesliga goal scored at Schalke. "He brings is even more options," said RB sporting director Marcus Krösche who was assistant coach at the Werkself in 2015 to 2017.
In the convincing victory in Gelsenkirchen, one player in particular stood out – although he didn't score any of the five goals. But Christopher Nkunku did set up four and he is gradually appearing centre stage in an attack that includes stars like Timo Werner and Marcel Sabitzer. Nkunku has provided a total of 13 assists in the Bundesliga; only Jadon Sancho and Thomas Müller have more to their credit. Indeed, Nkunku is also capable of scoring: The Frenchman at RB secured a draw in the top game against Borussia Mönchengladbach three weeks ago with a long-range piledriver in the final minute and he also scored a wonderful goal in the game at Leverkusen earlier in the season. Bayer 04 will have to keep an eye on the 22-year-old – but in which position? Nkunku can play anywhere in the forward line and, in addition to variability, he also provides a certain amount of unpredictability in the RB attack.
There is currently a lack of cover in central defence. The RB captain Willi Orban and Ibrahima Konaté are both long-term injuries. The positions in the back three alongside the first choice Dayot Upamecano are filled by the full backs Marcel Halstenberg and Lukas Klostermann. Nevertheless: Leipzig have kept clean sheets in the last four matches with this improvised solution and that includes games against top teams like FC Bayern and Tottenham Hotspur. As one of the back-ups, Stefan Ilsankar, joined Eintracht Frankfurt in the winter break, the RB defence cannot afford to lose anyone else until the return of Konaté.
Leipzig not only have one of the best but also youngest squads in the Bundesliga. In the first half of the season, Nagelsmann fielded the youngest starting eleven in the league this season and in the win at Schalke only the goalkeeper Peter Gulasci (29) and the defender Halstenberg (28) were older than 25. The RB Leipzig concept is one with structure – and one with a rosy future. If the many young and talented players develop as expected then this team – with the equally young coach – is certainly capable of achieving a lot.
Two attack-minded and on-form teams meet: The game between Leipzig and Bayer 04 could be spectacular and will definitely have an effect on the table. Regardless of the result of the game on Sunday, RB Leipzig can certainly finish right at the top of the end of the season.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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