Loïs Openda's second-half strike gives RB Leipzig a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Heidenheim in a closely fought Bundesliga match at the Voith-Arena.

First half: A tight contest with few clear-cut chances

Both teams entered the match with contrasting recent forms, with Leipzig unbeaten in their last 16 Bundesliga matches but off the back of a disappointing 3-2 loss to Juventus mideweek, while Heidenheim were riding high after their first-ever European victory. The match kicked off tentatively, with neither side being able to fashion any great chances early on. Frequent fouls broke up the momentum and the first booking of the game came in the 18th minute when Jonas Föhrenbach saw yellow for Heidenheim. Both sides grew into it, trading chances, with Pieringer testing Gulácsi and Šeško firing wide for Leipzig, but clear-cut opportunities remained at a premium. The most significant opportunity of the half fell to Xavi Simons in the 42nd minute, but his effort was expertly saved by Müller, ensuring the teams went into the break level at 0-0.

Loïs Openda's second half finish was the Belgian's fourth goal this Bundesliga season. - IMAGO/Roger Petzsche

Second half: Openda breaks the deadlock

The second half began with an increased urgency from both sides. Leipzig thought they had broken the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Benjamin Šeško headed home, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review spotted a foul in the build-up. However, the visitors didn't have to wait long for their opener. In the 59th minute, Openda showcased his clinical finishing, squeezing a shot in at the near post from a tight angle to give Leipzig a 1-0 lead. The goal sparked Heidenheim into action, and they came agonisingly close to equalising when Jan Schöppner's thunderous effort struck the crossbar in the 68th minute. Heidenheim then threw everything at Leipzig in search of an equaliser. The hosts created a flurry of chances, with Marvin Pieringer and Adrian Beck both forcing excellent saves from Péter Gulácsi. Leipzig, remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with Openda striking the post in the 88th minute, but thanks to Gulácsi's heroics, Die Roten Bullen managed to hold onto their lead until the final whistle.

About the players

11

Ikoma Loïs

Openda

RB Leipzig

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Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Heidenheim 1.46 - Leipzig 1.62
Fastest player: Loïs Openda (RB Leipzig), 34.14 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Loïs Openda (RB Leipzig), 8.87 percent
Most pressed player: Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), +1.67

Fantasy Heroes: Patrick Mainka (1. FC Heidenheim, 236 Points), Loïs Openda (RB Leipzig, 222 Points), Willi Orbán (RB Leipzig, 217 Points)

About the clubs

1. FC Heidenheim 1846

Voith-Arena

RB Leipzig

Red Bull Arena