bundesliga

Clinical RB Leipzig end winless streak against spirited Holstein Kiel side

07.12.2024

RB Leipzig secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Holstein Kiel, thanks to goals from Benjamin Šeško and André Silva to end their month-long winless run in the Bundesliga.

Holstein Kiel 0-2 RB Leipzig
Goals: 0-1 Šeško 27’, 0-2 Silva 69’ (p)

The clash between Kiel and Leipzig at the Holstein-Stadion was a tale of two teams with wholly contrasting objectives. The hosts, fighting to avoid relegation, were looking for only their second victory of the season. Meanwhile, Leipzig, looking to halt a concerning run of four Bundesliga matches without a win, aimed to reignite their campaign and solidify their position in the top four. Both sides entered the match knowing the importance of securing a positive result in this crucial Bundesliga encounter.

Šeško's opener for Leipzig came as a result of superb individual play after picking the ball up from deep. - Joern Pollex

Šeško breaks the deadlock

The opening exchanges saw both sides testing the waters, with Leipzig enjoying more possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Benjamin Šeško showcased just why he is so dangerous. Šeško received the ball near the center circle, drove towards the Kiel goal, and unleashed a shot from about 17 meters out. Timon Weiner managed to parry the initial attempt, but Šeško was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound to give Leipzig a 1-0 lead. The goal was subject to a VAR check for a potential handball, but it stood, much to the relief of the visitors.

Captain Orbán was instrumental in his side preserving their clean sheet, repelling Kiel attacks all game. - IMAGO/Henning Rohlfs

Intensity rises as half-time approaches

As the first half progressed, the match grew in intensity. In the 35th minute, Kiel's Armin Gigović received a yellow card for a foul on Loïs Openda, symptomatic of the growing tension on the pitch. Despite trailing, Kiel showed resilience and managed to create a few chances of their own. Just before half-time, Finn Porath tested Péter Gulácsi with a shot, but the Leipzig keeper was equal to it, ensuring his side went into the break with their lead intact.

André Silva got his first Bundesliga goal in two years from the penalty spot. - IMAGO/Henning Rohlfs

Kiel fight back, Leipzig hold firm

The second half saw a reinvigorated Kiel side emerge from the tunnel. Marcel Rapp made a tactical change at half-time, bringing on Steven Skrzybski for Magnus Knudsen. The hosts came out firing, creating a flurry of chances that had the Leipzig defence scrambling. Skrzybski's introduction nearly paid immediate dividends when his powerful effort in the 58th minute rattled the crossbar, leaving the home fans agonisingly close to celebration.

Silva seals the deal

In response to Kiel's pressure, Marco Rose made a triple substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on André Silva, Lukas Klostermann, and Xaver Schlager. The changes proved decisive as Leipzig regained control of the match. Against the run of play, Leipzig were awarded a penalty in the 69th minute when Marvin Schulz fouled Openda in the box. Silva, who had been on the pitch for just six minutes, stepped up and coolly converted, sending Weiner the wrong way to double Leipzig's lead.

Late push not enough for Kiel

Despite finding themselves two goals down, Kiel refused to throw in the towel. The hosts continued to press forward, creating several opportunities in the closing stages. Phil Harres came close in the 77th minute, his shot whistling just wide of the post. Kiel's determination was evident in the statistics too, as they outshot Leipzig 16 to 7 over the course of the match. However, Leipzig's clinical finishing and solid defensive work, particularly from captain Willi Orbán, ensured they held on to a crucial victory. The match ended with a flurry of yellow cards, with Benjamin Henrichs and Arthur Vermeeren from Leipzig, and Alexander Bernhardsson from Kiel all entering the referee's book in the final stages, really highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter.

Player of the Match: Benjamin Šeško

Šeško proved to be the catalyst for Leipzig's victory with his decisive opening goal. The young Slovenian striker not only broke the deadlock but his overall performance kept the Kiel defence on their toes throughout the match. Šeško's goal came at a crucial juncture, settling Leipzig's nerves and providing the platform for their eventual win. His ability to create chances and his clinical finishing made him a threat, ultimately earning him the Player of the Match award.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Kiel 0.91 - Leipzig 1.26
Fastest player: Finn Porath (Kiel), 33.85 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Benjamin Šeško (Leipzig), 15 percent
Most pressed player: Antonio Nusa (Leipzig), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Finn Porath (Kiel), +1.95

Fantasy Heroes: Willi Orbán (Leipzig, 244 Points), Péter Gulácsi (Leipzig, 183 Points), Benjamin Šeško (Leipzig, 179 Points)