Despite the impressive background and numerous opportunities, RB Leipzig did not use the errors of the competition and stagnated in his struggle for the Champions League. Domenico Tedesco’s side were unable to get past the 0-0 draw against harmless Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Sunday. In doing so, RB failed to withdraw from Freiburg and Hoffenheim, who also failed to win their matches on Saturday. The Hessians improved to eighth place in the table.
For the first time since the record match against Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of November, Leipzig was able to use its stadium to its capacity again and was immediately shown to the lesser side of football fans. Fireworks and other fireworks were lit in the guest yard as soon as the whistle sounded, and a cloud of red and black smoke rolled across the field. Then referee Christian Dingert interrupted the match until everyone had a clear view again.
The great excitement in the stands did not initially transfer to the pitch, as both teams unpacked their tactical program in a well-organized manner. It only became dangerous from a distance or after individual mistakes. Kevin Campbell (22nd minute) grabbed the ball on the left side of the penalty area and was shown to former Frankfurter Andre Silva – but a header was turned away by Martin Hinterger on the goal line.
Leipzig continued to increase the pressure and allowed the firing division to make two attempts. Mehmet Simakan’s shot from 20 meters (26) somehow directed Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp to the post. When Laimer tried from a similar distance, Trapp was no longer there, but in the end the crossbar saved him from falling behind. The goal came in injury time in the first half from a counter-attack, but Christopher Nkunko was disallowed for offside.
Reluctant to attack, but well organized defensively
After the change, the excitement only rose briefly when Dani Olmo (46th place) finished out of the box. But the Spain international’s shot, who had been given an advantage in the starting line-up over Emil Forsberg, was not too harmful. After that, Eintracht remained hesitant in attack, but is very well organized defensively. Leipzig faced increasing problems converting its supremacy into opportunity.
Tedesco realized the problem and replaced the inconspicuous and offensive playmaker Kampl with Forsberg. It paid off almost immediately. Nkunko sent Laimer (63th), who rushed towards Trapp alone – but Frankfurter once again showed a strong reaction.
Leipzig continued to press without success, so Tedesco hit back. In Joseph Poulsen attacked with a fracture and took Silva. As in the first leg, the former Frankfurter had a personally disappointing day on the job against his former club. It was almost fun for RB right-back when Lucas Tota Nkunku (78) headed the ball into the run, but the Frenchman hurriedly fired from 20 metres.
