In the first leg of the Europa League playoff, Leipzig missed a home win against Real Sociedad. The Spaniards played very defensively but they played effectively and got twice as good. The Saxons responded twice.
More was not possible: Emil Forsberg scored in the final from the point to 2:2.
Images by imago / Christian Schroeder
Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco made three changes compared to the 3-1 win over 1. FC Köln: Adams, Campbell and Semakan replaced Hydara, Henrix and Urban, who had caught a cold, in the starting lineup. Totally unexpected: Adams played as a defensive back with a three in a central position.
UEFA Europa League Knockout Rounds
The first stage promised a balanced match: first, Leipzig pressed a little more, then Real Sociedad. The Basques also benefited directly from their efforts: Le Normand, who had taken the lead, had too much room at the far post, but his shot was deflected by Simakan to make it 0-1 from Leipzig’s perspective (eighth).
After falling behind, the match started as it should to the end: the Basques were too deep and Leipzig ran, but found it difficult to create chances. Angelino (14) and Laimer (23) had the best chances, but they failed.
Nkunko equalize – but the simple guests take the lead again
After a good half hour, the spell was broken: right-back RB tied. Remarkably Angelino found Nkunko with his cross which she saw in (30′). The goal did not change the stats of the game: Real Sociedad continued to make very little progress.
And it continued like this after changing sides, and Nkunko got first place with Leipzig (54th place). But then La Real reverted back to Leipzig’s 16th place – and immediately got the most out of it: Henrichs had a shot from Portu on the line, but Gvardiol was already on the ball after a corner kick. There was a penalty shootout, which Oyarzabal (64) turned around.
Leipzig had to fall behind again – and the Saxons came back again: Zubuszlai was slightly touched in the penalty area, and referee Künet Cakir (Turkey) made a surprise point for the visitors. Forsberg was not deterred and was moved to center (82).
Right-back RB now wanted more, but the hosts eventually missed two first-class chances: Silva’s supposed goal was disallowed by an offside position (88) and Ryan saved Henrichs’ shot (90+4). The return match in San Sebastian will be held next Thursday (6.45 pm, live! on Kicker) with a 2-2 draw.
Goals and cards
0: 1Normans (8′, right foot, Diego Rico)
1: 1Nkoko (30′, Angelino’s head)
1: 2Oyarzabal (64 min, penalty kick, left footed shot)
2: 2Forsberg (82′, penalty kick, right-footed shot, Szoboszlai)
Leipzig
Saint Sebastian
referee team
game info
RB Leipzig plays Hertha Berlin on Sunday (7.30 pm), and Real Sociedad plays Athletic Bilbao on the same day (9 pm).
