A strong second-half performance help RB Leipzig secure a comfortable 2-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart as the Bundesliga title chase continues.
The Bundesliga title race drags on into MD32 this season as RB Leipzig secure a comfortable 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart – effectively closing the gap from league leaders Bayern Munich to seven points after the Bavarians had slumped to a 2-1 defeat to 1.FSV Mainz on Saturday.
It was a fairly comfortable evening for Leipzig, who were handed an early boost in the shape of Naouirou Ahamada’s red that forced Stuttgart to ten men inside the first 15 minutes. The hosts, though, still struggled to create too many scoring opportunities as Pellegrino Matarazzo’s men remained solid at the back, with the two sides drawing a blank at half-time.
However, the game turned on its head when Amadou Haidara found the breakthrough for Leipzig within the first minute of the second half. It made a huge role in boosting the confidence of the home side, who controlled the game from there on in, pushing Stuttgart deep in their lines in search of the second goal.
They found their second breakthrough in the 67th minute when Emil Forsberg scored from the penalty after winning a foul inside the box. It was enough to seal all three points for Die Roten Bullen and here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over these RB Leipzig players in their comprehensive win over VfB Stuttgart this weekend.
Peter Gulacsi: 6/10
Peter Gulacsi had basically nothing to do as VfB Stuttgart struggled to create a single proper goalscoring opportunity, especially after going a man down inside the first phase of the game. As such, the Leipzig goalkeeper was not required, even in the club’s build-up play, thus leading to a comfortable clean sheet.
FT | RB Leipzig 2-0 Stuttgart
The title will not be decided this weekend pic.twitter.com/Gsu6Oa3jEA
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 25, 2021
Lukas Klostermann: 7/10
Lukas Klostermann looked very sharp defensively today. He denied the Stuttgart attackers the opportunity to make incisive runs in behind the Leipzig backline, using his pace to good effect. The defender also impressed in possession before being subbed off around the hour mark by Julian Nagelsmann.
Ibrahima Konate: 7/10
Ibrahima Konate was hugely involved in possession during the first half. He looked confident on the ball, as ever, often looking to distribute possession. The Liverpool linked with centre-back, though, was replaced at half-time, as he made way for Dayot Upamecano, whose future at Bayern Munich has been sealed.
Willi Orban: 7.5/10
Willi Orban was also impressive in the RB Leipzig backline. His experience and ability to read the game helped him keeping Stuttgart at bay for the most part of the game. The Hungarian also tried to make things happen with his forward passes, at times, almost camping himself in the opposition third.
Tyler Adams: 7/10
Tyler Adams had a decent game on the right hand side of the Leipzig defence. Operating as a wingback, the American international made some incisive runs into the box and may have even found the back of the net with a better showing. in terms of productivity. He was taken off during the final phase of the game.
Tyler Adams now off. The #USMNT had a good game today. 93.4% pass accuracy and 77 touches. Was involved quite a bit in #RBLeipzig's play today. Will be a key player for them next week in the #DFBPokal semifinal against Werder.
— Dr. Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) April 25, 2021
Dani Olmo: 7.5/10
Dani Olmo had a good game in the final third, often looking dangerous in possession. He was someone who tried to offer the creative prowess, crafting a few chances in the first half before eventually assisting Haidara’s opener, shortly after the restart. The young playmaker also looked hungry to get on to the ball, which is a positive sign as Leipzig hope to keep hold of his services.
Kevin Kampl: 7/10
Kevin Kampl had a slightly difficult first-half, as he was restricted heavily by the Stuttgart midfielders. It was a different story after the restart, with the former Dortmund offering reassurance in possession while looking very competent in ground duels. Stepped up his game like he needed to, especially in the absence of Marcel Sabitzer.
Amadou Haidara: 8/10
Amadou Haidara was the driving force behind Leipzig’s second-half renaissance, as he scored from a thumping header to find the all-important opener. Even aside from that goal, the midfielder’s influence on the game was impeccable, with the former Salzburg starlet showing a lot of energy, intent and skill to keep the Stuttgart defence occupied.
Haidara
Playing 70+ minutes = 2 pts
Goal = 5 pts
Won 19 duels = 3 pts
3 goal attempts = 3 pts
Winning team = 1 pts
Winning goal = 1 pts
Passes to a shot = ?Total = minimum 15 pts https://t.co/znXiNNDDJ9
— Official DNL (@DNLFantasy) April 25, 2021
Angelino: 7.5/10
Angelino looked very bright in regards to his activity on the left flank for Leipzig. He linked up well with Haidara, with the pair creating quite a menace for the opposition out wide. Although the left wingback wasn’t able to produce his trademark crosses this evening, it was a polished performance nonetheless and an improvement from his horrid show against Hoffenheim.
Christopher Nkunku: 7.5/10
Christopher Nkunku was menacing, as ever, always trying to find openings in the final third whenever he had possession. The Frenchman was also responsible for finding his teammates in little pockets of space, thanks to his ability to drift past defenders and an equally impressive vision.
Alexander Sorloth: 7/10
Alexander Sorloth was not able to find any clear cut goalscoring opportunity, but his imposing presence in the final third kept the Stuttgart centre-back occupied. It was ultimately a decent shift from the Norwegian who worked very hard to hold the ball up or compete with the opposition in aerial duels.
Substitutes
Dayot Upamecano: 7.5/10
Dayot Upamecano replaced Konate at the start of the second half. The only goal, coupled with Stuttgart going ten men, gave him the license to camp himself in the opposition half. He made a lot of daring runs into the opposition territory, coming up with a pass more often than not.
Emil Forsberg: 7.5/10
Emil Forsberg made a noticeable impact after coming on for Nkunku in the 65th minute. He was hugely involved in attacking moments and even won and converted the penalty that led to the second goal.
67' GOAL! No mistakes from Forsberg.
Leipzig 2-0 Stuttgart, live di Mola TV!https://t.co/NxwExIFlHi#BundesligadiMolaTV pic.twitter.com/8y3zfbiIRR
— SuperSoccer TV (@my_supersoccer) April 25, 2021
Nordi Mukiele: 7/10
Nordi Mukiele was a 65th minute replacement for Klostermann. He kept things neat and tidy during the final phase of the game, virtually overpowering Tanguy Coulibaly on the right hand side.
Benjamin Henrichs: N/A
Benjamin Henrichs made decent forays down the flanks after coming on for Adams during the final phase of the game. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Justin Kluivert: N/A
A late replacement for Olmo. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
