RB Leipzig keep the Bundesliga title race alive with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Werder Bremen, powered by a brace from Alexander Sorloth.
RB Leipzig close the gap to Bayern Munich to just five points following a convincing 4-1 win over Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion on Saturday. It was a positive result for the title challengers, who take advantage of Bayern’s 1-1 draw with Union Berlin to bridge the gap at the top.
Coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to the Bavarians, Leipzig looked like the better right from the start as they dominated possession and created numerous chances. They eventually found the opener in the 23rd minute through a majestic bit of build-up that saw Dani Olmo find the back of the net.
The goal destabilised the Bremen defence and Leipzig pounced on that opportunity to score two more before half-time, thanks to a quick brace from star striker Alexander Sorloth.
Die Roten Bullen did have a lethargic start to the second half and were duly punished in the 61st minute when Milot Rashica scored from the penalty that was conceded by Kevin Kampl. Leipzig picked themselves up quickly, restoring their three-goal cushion minutes later through Marcel Sabitzer.
It was enough to seal all three points for the visitors and here, at The Hard Tackle, we will take a look at how the Leipzig players performed in this comprehensive victory over Bremen.
Peter Gulacsi: 6/10
In a game where Werder Bremen struggled to offer any threat going forward, Peter Gulacsi predictably had very little to do throughout the course of the ninety minutes. He will be disappointed with the conceded penalty that ruined his clean sheet, but it was a quiet day at the office for the RB Leipzig ‘keeper nonetheless.
Milot Rashica gets his first goal of the season from the penalty spot ?.
Hopefully more to come ?#Bundesliga | #SVWRBL | ????
pic.twitter.com/ZLIFr99Vv0— Dardanian Football (@DardanianFooty) April 10, 2021
Ibrahima Konate: 7/10
Ibrahima Konate looked calm and composed, faring well in the absence of Dayot Upamecano. His imposing presence at the back made it difficult for Davie Selke to make his presence felt inside the box. He won a total of eight ground duels as well as threading 79 completed passes with an accuracy of 91%.
Willi Orban: 7.5/10
Willi Orban was a rock at the back for RB Leipzig, using his experience, power and leadership to good effect. He got rid of multiple loose balls in the defensive third while even registering the assist for one of Sorloth’s goal. An impressive defensive display from the Leipzig veteran, who continues to play a crucial role in Julian Nagelsmann’s setup.
Marcel Halstenberg: 7/10
Marcel Halstenberg was given the nod ahead of Lukas Klostermann in the left side of the back three. The German international, though, mostly operated as a left-back, trying to play a key role in the transition. He wasn’t troubled much in possession but he was subbed off during the final phase of the game.
Tyler Adams: 6.5/10
Tyler Adams had a relatively quiet game on the right hand side. He wasn’t troubled much defensively while his positioning made him a vital cog in the Leipzig build-up. The American international, though, was taken off at half-time, in favour of Benjamin Henrichs.
Marcel Sabitzer: 8.5/10
Marcel Sabitzer made quite an impression in the middle of the park, being the focal point of Leipzig’s build-up play. He initiated the move that led to the opener while scoring a late goal to add further gloss to the scoreline. He is indeed a real leader in the Leipzig midfield – one who can make things happen with his creativity and tenacity.
?? RB Leipzig with / without Marcel Sabitzer starting in the Bundesliga this season
? Games: 19 / 8
✅ Wins: 10 / 7
? Draws: 5 / 1
❌ Defeats: 4 / 0
? Win percentage: 52.6% / 87.5%?️ Tottenham remain keen on the Austrian midfielder… pic.twitter.com/K5YHNXkeO2
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 7, 2021
Kevin Kampl: 8.5/10
Kevin Kampl was one of the top performers for RB Leipzig this evening. He was a real hub at the base of the 3-4-2-1 with almost everything operating out of him. The player was also involved in the exquisite build-up that led to the all-important opener while also impressing the onlookers with his remarkable ball distribution and ability to read the game.
Justin Kluivert: 6.5/10
Justin Kluivert’s personal duel with Theodor Gebre-Selassie was an interesting one as the duo battled hard for their supremacy out wide. The young Dutchman had some good attacking moments but wasn’t quite a menacing figure in the Leipzig attack. He was eventually subbed off around the hour mark.
Christopher Nkunku: 8/10
Christopher Nkunku was vital to Leipzig’s creative game, as usual, as he made clever movements in and around the final third. The Frenchman most notably produced the assist for Sorloth’s first goal as he unleashed a powerful cross from the right flank. A good attacking display from the former PSG star.
Dani Olmo: 8.5/10
Dani Olmo was a lively figure in the Leipzig final third, offering the creative essence with his movements, passing and positional sense. His opening goal, in particular, was exquisite as it constituted off a brilliant link-up play between him, Sabitzer and Kampl. This performance should boost his confidence after a wasteful display against Bayern Munich last time out.
G⚽L DE LEIPZIG‼️
? Daniel Olmo ⏱️23'
Werder Bremen 0️⃣?1️⃣ Leipzig#Bundesliga ?? ?
SUSCRIBITE A TELEGRAM ✅
Y mira todos los goles cuando quieras
▶️ https://t.co/0TV9WEoDZBpic.twitter.com/xUGdxvOItu— El Forastero Deportivo ⚽ (@ElForastero1982) April 10, 2021
Alexander Sorloth: 8.5/10
Alexander Sorloth was brought back into the side to operate as a target man for Leipzig, up against a Bremen side that sat back and defended deep. The big Norwegian did his job ideally, scoring from a Nkunku cross to double Leipzig’s lead before peddling home another, just a few minutes before half-time. A clinical display in front of goal.
Substitutes
Benjamin Henrichs: 7.5/10
Benjamin Henrichs replaced Tyler Adams at half-time, in what was a rare appearance for the former Bayer Leverkusen full-back. He did well, though, offering decent support going forward and notably registering the assist for Sabitzer’s goal around the hour mark. This little performance should give him a world of confidence.
Amadou Haidara: 6.5/10
Amadou Haidara replaced Kluivert around the hour mark to add more energy on the flanks. The midfielder did not make much of an impact, but helped Leipzig retain their dominance on the proceedings.
Lazar Samardzic: N/A
A late replacement for Olmo. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Lukas Klostermann: N/A
A late replacement for Halstenberg. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Hee-Chan Hwang: N/A
A late replacement for Sabitzer. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
