RB Leipzig maintain unbeaten start with thrilling comeback against Freiburg
RB Leipzig came from behind to beat Freiburg 3-1 and remain level on points with Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga. Goals from Willi Orbán, Lutsharel Geertruida and Loïs Openda sealed the victory after Ritsu Dōan's opener.
RB Leipzig 3-1 Freiburg
Goals: 0-1 Dōan 15’ (assist: Grifo), 1-1 Orbán 47’ (assist: Henrichs), 2-1 Geertruida 58’ (Openda), 3-1 Openda 79’ (assist: Silva)
The match burst into life in the 15th minute when Dōan silenced the home crowd. The Japan international found himself at the far post to nod home a precise cross from Vincenzo Grifo, giving Freiburg a shock lead and ending Leipzig's impressive run without conceding at 509 minutes. The goal energised the visitors, who continued to press and create chances, with Junior Adamu narrowly missing an opportunity to double their advantage.
Leipzig's resilience tested
As the first half progressed, Leipzig gradually found their rhythm. Benjamin Šeško came close to equalising, but Noah Atubolu in the Freiburg goal was equal to the task, making a series of impressive saves to maintain his side's lead going into the break. The young goalkeeper's heroics included crucial stops from Šeško and Christoph Baumgartner, frustrating Leipzig's attempts to level the score.
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Bulls charge ahead
Just two minutes into the second half, Orbán rose highest to head home a Benjamin Henrichs cross, bringing Leipzig level and reigniting the home supporters. The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Leipzig's favour, and they began to dominate proceedings. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Geertruida netted his first goal for the club, capitalising on a swift counter-attack to give Leipzig the lead.
Openda seals the deal
As Freiburg pushed for an equaliser, spaces began to open up for Leipzig's pacey attackers. Openda, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, finally got his reward in the 79th minute. The Belgian striker showcased his blistering pace and clinical finishing, racing clear of the Freiburg defence before coolly slotting past Atubolu to secure a 3-1 victory and send Leipzig to the summit of the Bundesliga ahead of pre-Matchday 8 leaders Bayern Munich's trip to Bochum.
Watch: Loïs Openda reacts to Freiburg win
Player of the Match: Loïs Openda
While several Leipzig players shone in this comeback victory, Openda's performance stood out. The Belgian forward was a constant menace to the Freiburg defence, using his pace to create chances and stretch the opposition. His goal in the 79th minute not only showcased his individual brilliance but also effectively sealed the win for Leipzig. Openda's movement off the ball and link-up play were crucial in Leipzig's attacking fluidity, and his ability to perform in such a high-stakes match demonstrates his importance to the team's title aspirations.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leipzig 2.30 - Freiburg 1.82
Fastest player: Loïs Openda (Leipzig), 36.64 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Lutsharel Geertruida (Leipzig), 29 percent
Most pressed player: Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg), 28 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Kevin Kampl (Leipzig), +1.8
Fantasy Heroes: Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg, 344 Points), Willi Orbán (Leipzig, 320 Points), Lutsharel Geertruida (Leipzig, 261 Points)
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