Highlights

Matchday 31

FINAL

Europa-Park Stadion

RB Leipzig

73'

KamplKevin Kampl

T. Welz

Europa-Park Stadion

Full-time: Leipzig move into fourth

Kampl's second-half strike was enough to give his side all three points. Freiburg just didn't get going and drop down to fifth, with a trip to Union Berlin coming next week. They cannot afford to lose that one if they want to earn a spot in the Champions League.

Full-time

90'

+ 5

Superb Flekken denies Poulsen

The Denmark international looks to put the game to bed, but Flekken is on hand once again!

90'

+ 2

Great chance!

Almost an equaliser for Freiburg as Blaswich denies Petersen before Höler fails to bury the rebound.

90'

+ 2

Yellow card

Kevin Kampl

90'

+ 1

Substitution

Emil Forsberg

Christopher Nkunku

90'

Schmid almost catches Blaswich out!

The full-back's cross was never finding a teammate, but it would have crept in at the far post had Leipzig's goalkeeper not been on his toes.

90'

Substitution

Xaver Schlager

Konrad Laimer

90'

Flekken to the rescue

The shot-stopper keeps it a 1-0 as he denies Szoboszlai.

90'

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes

Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.

Timo Werner34.18km/h

Mohamed Simakan33.70km/h

Maximilian Eggestein33.56km/h

88'

Leipzig dominant

xGoals

The xGoals value of a club is calculated from the sum of all goal probabilities (goals and shots on goal) of that team. During a match, it’s easy to see whether the club is performing better than expected (goals > xGoals) - or maybe even higher (xGoals > goals).

It would be argue Leipzig don't deserve the three points based on their performance.

xGoals

0.06

2.07

Goals

85'

Streich rolls the dice

The boss makes four changes as he looks to give his team some extra impetus.

84'

Substitution

Kimberly Ezekwem

Christian Günter

84'

Substitution

Jonathan Schmid

Lukas Kübler

83'

Substitution

Wooyeong Jeong

Maximilian Eggestein

83'

Substitution

Nils Petersen

Michael Gregoritsch

83'

Yellow card

Vincenzo Grifo

Kampl the hero

The Slovenia international went almost three years without a Bundesliga goal, but now has two in three weeks!

78'

Substitution

Yussuf Poulsen

Timo Werner

78'

Substitution

Marcel Halstenberg

Dani Olmo

77'

Big 13 minutes left for Freiburg

The 'Breisgau-Brasilianer' need a goal to move back into the Champions League qualification spots.

75'

Win Probability

This Match Fact documents significant changes in the probability of victory for both teams during the course of the match. The value is based on actual match play and incorporates existing Match Facts such as Expected Goals, Skill and Set-Piece Dange

72'

27 %

Now

76.5 %

73'

Kampl puts Leipzig in front!

The substitute breaks the deadlock! The midfielder gets a bit of luck as a pass intended for Nkunku bounces off Gulde and back into his path, but he shows composure to lob Flekken. A huge goal!

73'

Kevin Kampl

GOAL!

0:1

Goal probability

Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.

47 %

67'

Freiburg starting to threaten

The home team are spending more and more time in Leipzig's half, with Rose's side needing to make a few important clearances and blocks.

66'

Union go behind against Augsburg

The Berlin outfit trail 1-0, which could have a huge impact on both of these sides and the race for the top four.

64'

Yellow card

Konrad Laimer

Nkunku involved

Leipzig's talisman hasn't been able to get himself on the scoresheet yet, but you wouldn't bet against him doing so before the 90 minutes are up.

60'

Weißhaupt debut comes to an end

The youngster comes after with just under an hour on the clock - we're sure he has plenty more top-tier appearances ahead of him!

59'

Substitution

Merlin Röhl

Noah Weißhaupt

Hard-fought battle

The two teams are giving everything as they look for a vital three points.

53'

Substitution

Kevin Kampl

Amadou Haidara

52'

Looking better

No real chances for Freiburg so far, but they have seemed a little more lively after the break.

46'

Early opening!

A big chance for Leipzig straight away at the beginning of the second half, as Nkunku's cross-cum-shot just evades Werner at the back post.

46'

Off again!

Freiburg kick the second period off. Huge 45 minutes ahead!

Kick-off!

No goals at the interval

Despite a dominant first-half display from Leipzig, they were unable to take any of the chances that fell their way. As such, the two sides go into the break on level terms.

Half-time

42'

Leipzig dominating possession

Unsurprisingly, the visitors have seen the majority of the ball.

Possession (%)

3664

41'

5 minutes to go until half-time

Still goalless as we approach the break. Can anyone find a goal before the whistle?

36'

Yellow card

Christopher Nkunku

33'

Ball Recovery Time

Ball Recovery Time gives the time in seconds in which it takes a team to win back the ball following a loss of possession. It also allows conclusions to be drawn about a team's style of play. Only time when the ball is in play is counted (i.e. no breaks in play such as for goal-kicks, throw-ins etc).

RB Leipzig

Season

Today

13.1 s

10.9 s

Freiburg have more to offer

Streich will want to see an improvement from his team as this game progresses, especially with so much on the line. They have been second best here so far, but remain on level terms.

31'

Another Szoboszlai chance

This time, the 22-year-old shoots over from outside the box.

30'

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes

Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.

Timo Werner34.18km/h

Mohamed Simakan31.63km/h

Konrad Laimer31.23km/h

27'

Nkunku wastes huge chance

The forward looks certain to break the deadlock but is unable to keep control of the ball as he attempts to go around Flekken, and the opportunity goes begging.

Proud home support

The Freiburg fans are making themselves heard here as they look to spur on their players.

21'

Yellow card

Amadou Haidara

19'

Werner down

A worry for Leipzig as Werner requires treatment. However, he is able to continue.

18'

Leipzig dominating xGoals

xGoals

No doubt who has been the more threatening here.

xGoals

0.04

1.48

Goals

18'

Szoboszlai takes aim

The Hungarian shoots from the right-hand side of the penalty area, but his effort is straight at Flekken, allowing the goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.

16'

Free-kick opportunity

Freiburg have scored 19 goals from set-pieces this term, and they have an opportunity from a dangerous area here. However, they are unable to do anything with it.

14'

Nervous start

The hosts, perhaps with that 5-1 defeat still on their minds, have not started confidently here, and the crowd are doing all they can to encourage their side.

Höfler milestone

The 33-year-old is making his 300th competitive appearance for Freiburg today - he will be eager to make a telling contribution.

10'

Werner goes close again!

Freiburg can't handle the 27-year-old at the moment, as only a deflection denies him the open from his fierce drive.

Werner electric

The Germany international's pace has already caused Freiburg problems - they will need to be fully aware of his speed here.

Huge opening!

Timo Werner almost has Leipzig ahead early on, but he hits the post with just Mark Flekken to beat. Nkunku, meanwhile, couldn't direct the rebound goalwards.

Summer weather

23 degrees celsius and sunny here in Freiburg. Beautiful day for some top-quality Bundesliga football.

Here we go!

Leipzig get us going at the Europa-Park Stadion.

Kick-off!

Coming out of the tunnel

The two sides are now making their way out onto the pitch.

2:32

Watch: Christopher Nkunku - back with a bang!

Leipzig's star man Nkunku is fit and once again firing - the Frenchman will be crucial to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Not long until kick-off

Just under 15 minutes left before we get underway.

Head-to-head

Leipzig have the better of the most recent meetings, winning in the Bundesliga and DFB-Cup this term and also edging last season's Cup final on penalties despite going down to 10 men. Freiburg have not beaten 'Die Rotenbullen' since 2019, when Niclas Höfler and Nils Petersen both scores in a 2-1 victory, meaning today's visitors are unbeaten in eight matches against Streich's men.

Rose: "It will be a different game"

His side may have been far superior on Tuesday, but Rose and his players are under no illusions that Freiburg away remains a tough task. The 46-year-old said, "We may be facing the same side on Saturday, but it will be a different game. We have to approach the match in Freiburg against a difficult opposition in a similar way with the right attitude and our full focus from minute one."

Freiburg team news

Streich also introduces two fresh faces to his team after that defeat. One of them is forced, with Ritsu Doan's knee problem opening a space up for Noah Weißhaupt to make his first even Bundesliga start, while Manuel Gulde comes in for Philipp Lienhart. It also appears the boss has made a tactical tweak, fielding a 4-5-1 instead of the 5-3-2 that was no match for Leipzig last time out.

Leipzig team news

Marco Rose makes to changes to the side that strolled to that 5-1 victory in midweek. Lukas Klostermann comes in for Marcel Halstenberg, while Josko Gvardiol, who picked up a red card in the Cup encounter, has had some muscular issues and is therefore replaced by Mohamed Simakan.

Freiburg starting XI

Flekken – Kübler, Ginter, Gulde, Günter (c) – Weißhaupt, Eggestein, Höfler, Grifo - Gregoritsch, Höler

Freiburg subs

Uphoff, Sildillia, Jeong, Schmid, Ezekwem, Keitel, Röhl, Petersen

Leipzig starting XI

Blaswich – Klostermann, Simakan, Orban (c), Henrichs – Szoboszlai, Laimer, Haidara, Olmo – Nkunku, Werner

Leipzig subs

Nyland, Halstenberg, Diallo, Forsberg, Raum, Schlager, Kampl, Poulsen Silva

European guarantee

Following Bayer Leverkusen's defeat to Cologne on Friday night, Freiburg now know that a win would secure them UEFA Europa League football next season, guaranteeing them a finish in the top five. Leipzig, on the other hand, would all but mathematically be assured of a top-five finish with a win here.

Streich: "Incredible to be ahead"

After 30 games of the season, and with just four left, Freiburg coach Christian Streich believes it is "incredible to be ahead of this team" He added: "we've earned this, and now they have to beat us if they want to go above us."

2:32

Watch: Christopher Nkunku - back with a bang

Nkunku has missed nine of 15 Bundesliga matches since the turn of the year, but the signs are he's back to his very best - just when Leipzig need him most.

Omens

Freiburg have lost five of their six meetings this season against the current top five. The exception was their 4-1 win over Union Berlin on Matchday 15. However, they have only lost twice at home in the Bundesliga in 2022/23 - to Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.

Oh, Dani boy!

Dani Olmo scored one and produced three assists in Freiburg on Tuesday. The Spain international went off after 61 minutes, but only because of defender Josko Gvardiol's straight red card. Expect him to be fresh and firing on Saturday.

2:03

Watch: Leipzig 3-1 Freiburg - previous meeting

Nkunku made it seven goal contributions across seven Bundesliga games against Freiburg in the reverse fixture (two goals and five assists).

2:03

Watch: Cologne 0-1 Freiburg - highlights

Ritsu Doan was Freiburg's match-winner away to Cologne on Matchday 30. Christian Streich's side have now won three league games on the trot since losing 1-0 to leaders Bayern Munich on 8 April.

2:03

Watch: Leipzig 1-0 Hoffenheim - highlights

Christopher Nkunku marked his return to the Leipzig starting line-up with the only goal last weekend. He also struck against in Freiburg in midweek, taking his season tally to 19 goals in 31 competitive games.

Cup rerun

These two sides met in the DFB Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, in a repeat of last season's final. Holders Leipzig ran out 5-1 winners, thanks in no small part to a four-goal first-half power play.

Top-four six pointer

Freiburg, in fourth. Leipzig, in fifth. Only two points between them. With four games to go. Make no mistake: this is a huge game in the context of the European race!

Welcome along!

Here you can find all the information about SC Freiburg against RB Leipzig on Matchday 31.