Newly-promoted side RB Leipzig have closed the gap on table-toppers FC Bayern München to five points following a 2-1 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Bundesliga matchday 21.
Emil Forsberg and U21 international Timo Werner sent the visitors on course to victory, after having lost their last two games in the league. Gladbach’s Thorgan Hazard missed a golden opportunity to level the scoring when his penalty was saved. Jannik Vestergaard restored some hope late on in the second half but Leipzig held on to their slim lead and secured all three points.
Hard fought right from the start
It was an intense start to the game in front of 51,535 fans, with many petty fouls and play regularly being broken up. The hosts were marginally the stronger side though, while Leipzig struggled to put fast-paced style to good use.
This changed however as the game went on. Leipzig started to take control in midfield and began to create several dangerous opportunities. After 31 minutes they took the lead when Forsberg, assisted by Werner, found the back of the net with a shot from roughly 15 yards out.
Hazard misses penalty
It was a rather scrappy game before the referee blew his whistle just before half-time, prompting the crowd to rise to their feet. Former Gladbach defender Marvin Compper had brought down Lars Stindl on the edge of the area and referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot. Hazard stepped up but found his master in Péter Gulácsi, who saved brilliantly to keep it out.
Leipzig extended their advantage shortly after the break. Forsberg timed his pass to find Werner superbly on the right flank and the German U21 international cut inside to rifle home Leipzig’s second goal. Gladbach did not give up just yet but they continued to lack that cutting edge in front of goal. Vestergaard’s header to make it 2-1 after 81 minutes did provide for a tense finish in the closing stages, but ultimately Leipzig walked away with the victory.
Newly-promoted side RB Leipzig have closed the gap on table-toppers FC Bayern München to five points following a 2-1 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Bundesliga matchday 21.
Emil Forsberg and U21 international Timo Werner sent the visitors on course to victory, after having lost their last two games in the league. Gladbach’s Thorgan Hazard missed a golden opportunity to level the scoring when his penalty was saved. Jannik Vestergaard restored some hope late on in the second half but Leipzig held on to their slim lead and secured all three points.
Hard fought right from the start
It was an intense start to the game in front of 51,535 fans, with many petty fouls and play regularly being broken up. The hosts were marginally the stronger side though, while Leipzig struggled to put fast-paced style to good use.
This changed however as the game went on. Leipzig started to take control in midfield and began to create several dangerous opportunities. After 31 minutes they took the lead when Forsberg, assisted by Werner, found the back of the net with a shot from roughly 15 yards out.
Hazard misses penalty
It was a rather scrappy game before the referee blew his whistle just before half-time, prompting the crowd to rise to their feet. Former Gladbach defender Marvin Compper had brought down Lars Stindl on the edge of the area and referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot. Hazard stepped up but found his master in Péter Gulácsi, who saved brilliantly to keep it out.
Leipzig extended their advantage shortly after the break. Forsberg timed his pass to find Werner superbly on the right flank and the German U21 international cut inside to rifle home Leipzig’s second goal. Gladbach did not give up just yet but they continued to lack that cutting edge in front of goal. Vestergaard’s header to make it 2-1 after 81 minutes did provide for a tense finish in the closing stages, but ultimately Leipzig walked away with the victory.
