Two Benjamin Šeško strikes were not enough for Leipzig as they were shaded by Juventus in an entertaining affair.

RB Leipzig 2-3 Juventus
Goals: 1-0 Šeško 30' (assist: Openda), 1-1 Vlahović 50' (assist: Cambiaso), 2-1 Šeško 65' (pen.), 2-2 Vlahović 69' (assist: Conceicao), 2-3 Conceicao 83' (assist: Fagioli)
Red card: Di Gregorio 58'

Leipzig's fans showed just how much they were looking to more UEFA Champions League nights with a giant choreo before kick-off celebrating the club's history. Loïs Openda threatened in the opening minutes with a darting cross and ball from the right, but the Italian giants proved to be the more comfortable side on the ball in the opening stages. When the visitors tried to press for an opener, Leipzig left them reeling on the break as Openda hit a fine ball down the left for his strike partner Šeško to seize on - taking a touch towards the target and smashing an unstoppable drive in off the crossbar. The two sides traded efforts from distance after the opener, with Openda trying an audacious lob from the halfway line, but Leipzig kept the lead into the break.

Any hopes Leipzig had of calmly holding onto their advantage after the restart were soon dashed as the visitors made a venomous opening that led to Dusan Vlahović clipping a Cambiaso cross in to level. Leipzig immediately looked to regain the advantage, with Openda hitting the post before they were boosted by the sending off of Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio for handling the ball outside the penalty area. Things got even better when a penalty was awarded for a handball from the resulting free-kick. Šeško stepped up to smash his second of the night in clinical fashion, only for Vlahović to fire in a stunning second goal as Italian outfit showed resilience. Openda hit the post for a second time before Xavi and Nusa went close to a third goal - only for Francisco Conceicao to shock Leipzig with a lovely third goal for the Italian outfit. A late attacking salvo from the Bundesliga side came to nothing as they must continue to look for their first point in the Champions League. 

As it happened!

2 - 3

(1 - 0)

Leipzig

FINAL

Juventus

Champions League
League phase, Matchday 2 League phase, Matchday 2 Red Bull Arena

Rose's call to action

"We have to learn from this once again. We have to turn the disappointment in the dressing room into anger, into activity, into a willingness to do better next time, to react differently next time. We played against an extremely good opponent but at this level you really cannot allow yourself a moment of weakness, because then Vlahović scores like he did."

© RONNY HARTMANN

Rose gives his thoughts

"It doesn’t feel good, as you might imagine. Firstly, we didn't take our many chances at the end, secondly we didn't defend well enough in the box, and the third point is that Vlahović shot into the top corner and sometimes you just have to accept the individual qualities of the opponent."

© IMAGO/Sven Sonntag

Full-time: RB Leipzig 2-3 Juventus

That's a tough one for Leipzig. who took the lead with a fine goal and gained a second after Juventus were reduced to ten men - only to be outdone by two bolts from the blue for the Italians, while a brave Leipzig attacking effort failed to land any further strikes.

© IMAGO/Michael Taeger

Full-time

90'

+ 8

Leipzig still looking

Nusa has had another chance, and there have been a series of good balls played into the Juventus box, but it just won't happen....

90'

+ 4

Šeško served on the penalty spot

That was a chance to equalise and seal a hat-trick, but Šeško can only stab the ball at the goalkeeper after being picked out in space around the penalty spot.

90'

+ 1

Substitution

André Silva

Loïs Openda

90'

+ 1

Nine additional minutes

Can Leipzig salvage their first point in the Champions League?

88'

Leipzig pushing

The hosts are clipping balls into the box and win a corner as they hunt an equaliser.

87'

Substitution

Yussuf Poulsen

Nicolas Seiwald

87'

Substitution

Arthur Vermeeren

Lutsharel Geertruida

86'

Openda almost in

Raum snaps a cross to Openda at the near post on the volley, but the Belgian's effort is blocked.

83'

Conceicao puts Juve ahead

What a turn up for the books. Leipzig were sensing the chance to win it, but the ten men of Juventus have the lead as Francisco Conceicao waltzes past David Raum in the box and slots a clinical shot past Gulácsi.

83'

Francisco Conceicao

GOAL!

2:3

79'

Big Nusa chance!

Xavi lays the ball across to the substitute, who takes aim from the right with the goal gaping - but Kalulu gets a brilliant block in for Juventus.

79'

Yellow card

David Raum

77'

Xavi cracks free-kick wide

The Dutch playmaker takes a set-piece from a tight angle that zips just wide of the target and out.

76'

Rose going for the gauntlet

Talented new signing Antonio Nusa has come on in an attacking change from Marco Rose. Leipzig would love to take three points from here!

76'

Substitution

Antonio Nusa

Amadou Haidara

71'

Openda off the post again!

The Belgian hits the woodwork for the second half this time from a deflected effort before curling a shot wide.

69'

Vlahović levels again!

Just when Leipzig seemed well in control, the ten men of Juventus have struck back - with Dusan Vlahović smashing a stunning drive from just outside the box right into the top corner.

69'

Dusan Vlahović

GOAL!

2:2

67'

Gulácsi gets it

The Leipzig goalkeeper is forced down low to save Fagioli's effort.

65'

Šeško strikes from the spot!

Benjamin Šeško makes no mistake, sending the substitute goalkeeper the wrong way and restoring the lead!

65'

Benjamin Šeško

GOAL!

2:1

Penalty

64'

Penalty to Leipzig

Douglas Luiz has conceded the penalty within seconds of coming on as a substitute.

62'

Xavi free-kick deflected over

The playmaker smashes the resulting free-kick into the wall. It's deflected behind, and VAR will check if a penalty will be awarded as it appeared to strike a Juventus player on the arm.

58'

Dismissal for Di Gregorio

The Juventus goalkeeper has to leave the field after rushing out of his area to block an Openda effort with his arm. A VAR review shows he handled it and denied a goalscoring opportunity. The visitors bring Perin on as a substitute goalkeeper for Yildiz. Leipzig will have a free-kick in a promising position.

58'

Red card

Michele Di Gregorio

55'

Raum to Šeško

The German international crosses from the left and the Slovenian heads over.

54'

Openda onto the post

This game has really sparked into life. Openda hits a shot into Gatti, and then latches on the rebound to curl a drive onto the post from just outside the box.

50'

Juventus are level

Vlahović is alert to Cambiaso's ball in from the left to beat his marker and bring Juventus back on level terms after a strong start to the second period.

50'

Dusan Vlahović

GOAL!

1:1

49'

Koopmeiners off the post

A let-off for Leipzig as former Schalke player McKennie tucks a delightful ball across for Koopmeiners, who hits the woodwork.

46'

Tactical tweak

Henrichs comes on to act as a second defensive midfielder, while Haidara looks like he will move up slightly.

46'

Substitution

Benjamin Henrichs

Christoph Baumgartner

46'

We're back

The Italians kick off the second period, with Leipzig making one change.

Kick-off!

Half-time: RB Leipzig 1-0 Juventus

A super strike from Benjamin Šeško has put a spirited Leipzig side ahead at the break against the Italian giants.

© IMAGO/Roger Petzsche

Half-time

45'

+ 4

Seiwald sizes up the target

The young Austrian races to meet the ball on the edge of the box, but drives well over.

45'

+ 3

Jventus pressing

The visitors are pushing for an equaliser before the break, but they are being restricted to efforts from distance by Leipzig - with Conceicao clipping over from the edge of the box now.

45'

+ 1

Into stoppage time

Seven minutes are indicated after the two Juventus injury issues in the opening phase. Fagioli flashes a shot wide from 20 metres out.

43'

Raum at the other end

The Leipzig left-back gets a good block in to deny Conceicao.

40'

Raum in the area

Leipzig have grown in confidence since taking the lead and are continuing to threaten. David Raum tries to meet a deep cross from the right with a diving header but can't get much on his effort.

38'

Outrageous Openda!

The Belgian tries to lob Di Gregorio from the halfway line - it's a good effort, but the Juventus goalkeeper tracks back and saves.

37'

VAR check for spot kick

Vlahovic went down under a challenge from Lukeba and VAR was consulted, but no penalty was awarded to the Italian side.

Šeško strikes superb opener!

Benjamin Šeško has become just the second man to score a goal past Juventus all season. The Leipzig attacker received a long pass down the left from his strike partner Loïs Openda, took a touch towards the target and dispatched a devastating drive off the crossbar and in!

© IMAGO/Uwe Koch

30'

Benjamin Šeško

GOAL!

1:0

28'

Koopmeiners cannons over

The Juventus midfielder lines up a shot 20 metres out and fires well over.

25'

Xavi down

The Leipzig playmaker gets clattered in the middle of the pitch while trying to turn the ball forward, but nothing is awarded to the hosts for it - he gets treated and is fine to continue.

22'

Lukeba almost gets a look-in

Xavi gets blocked on the left edge of the area and plays an intelligent backheel that Lukeba runs onto. He wins a corner with his efforts to turn the ball into the middle, which Juventus clear.

20'

Juventus bossing the ball

The visitors have played over 100 passes so far, with Leipzig on just over 40 - yet the hosts have defended well and we await further opportunities.

Steady start

The two Juventus substitutions have taken some of the flow out of the play. Juventus have kept the ball well, but Leipzig have enjoyed the best chance so far.

© RONNY HARTMANN

12'

Another change

Curiously Juventus have to make their second substitution of the opening minutes as Gonzalez suddenly goes to ground, and the winger is replaced by Francisco Conceicao.

9'

Ball into the box

It's cut in from the left by the visitors for Vlahović, who flies at the ball but catches David Raum and Leipzig are awarded a free-kick.

6'

Haidara hoists over

Xavi's corner falls to Haidara 25 metres out, but he smashes an effort over the bar.

6'

Bremer limps off

The Brazilian defender went down awkwardly after that tangle with Openda, and has to leave the field to be replaced by Gatti.

4'

Openda arrows in on goal

The first chance of the night falls Leipzig's way as Lois Openda shrugs off a Bremer on the right and turns inside straight away - cutting a dangerous ball in that another Juventus defender slides behind for a corner.

1'

Off we go!

The Bundesliga side get us underway.

Kick-off!

Choreo time

We're being treated to a huge banner showing the highlights of Leipzig's recent history.

© IMAGO/Cathrin MŸller /M.i.S.

Marco is in the house

The coach is a popular man in Leipzig - thanks in no small part to the club's current record unbeaten Bundesliga run.

© IMAGO/Sven Sonntag

1:01

Watch: Best of Baumgartner

The Austrian has a habit of scoring the odd special goal or two - and will be looking to impress tonight.

More on those teams

Marco Rose opts for just one change to the side that started last weekend's 4-0 win against Augsburg, with Christoph Baumgartner replacing Antonio Nusa. Juventus, meanwhile, are showing three changes compared to the side that started the recent victory against Genoa. Michele Di Gregorio replaces Mattia Perin in goal while full backs Andrea Cambiaso and Nicolo Savona take the places of Danilo and Jonas Rouhi.

© DFL/Getty Images/Oliver Hardt

Leipzig starting XI

Gulácsi - Geertruida, Orbán (c), Lukeba, Raum - Seiwald, Haidara - Baumgartner, Xavi - Šeško, Openda

Leipzig subs

Vandevoordt, Bitshiabu, Elmas, Nusa, Poulsen, Klostermann, Vermeeren, André Silva, Henrichs, Gebel

Juventus starting XI

Di Gregorio - Savona, Kalulu, Bremer (c), Cambiaso - Fagioli, McKennie - González, Koopmeiners, Yıldız - Vlahović

Gulácsi on his and Leipzig's form

"Unfortunately, we as a team didn’t start as well in the Champions League because we obviously would’ve liked to have taken at least a point with us against Atlético. But I’ve felt very good for a long time now. Even at the end of last season, I felt I was in good form and thankfully I’ve been able to continue that this season. But at the end of the day, a goalkeeper can benefit a lot when the team well play, and that’s the case for me at the moment. The boys in front of me are doing a brilliant job, we’re conceding very little in every game, which makes it a lot of fun to stand behind.”

© Getty/RONNY HARTMANN

Rose's view on facing Juventus

"We have to do it how we did it at the weekend [against Augsburg]. I think that we showed a good reaction overall, and through that we regained confidence in what we’re capable of and the goal threat we can pose. We have to make use of the spaces we briefly get, we need tenacity. There are also a few simple options you can choose against them. We've highlighted a few situations and things today that can cause us to also be dangerous in front of goal them."

© Getty/RONNY HARTMANN

Motta's view on facing Leipzig

"We have prepared for a match against a competitive team that plays good football and presses a lot, we will need to be fluid in our game in order to be in control and attack well. We are focused as always, and we approach the game with respect for our opponent and maximum commitment. The fact that it’s an encounter between two team’s with excellent defensive records means a lot, it shows solidity. A complete performance will be needed, playing good football and defending as we have done so far this season."

© Getty/RONNY HARTMANN

Team news

Leipzig will likely have to do without long-term absentees Kevin Kampl, Assan Ouédraogo and Xaver Schlager. Eljif Elmas missed the weekend but is fit for Wednesday. Juve won't be able to call upon Milik, Timothy Weah and Vasilije Adzic.

Bundesliga returnees

Juventus boast four recognisable faces in Arkadiusz Milik who played for Leverkusen and Augsburg, Nicolás González, formerly of Stuttgart, and Weston McKennie who was a Schalke regular. Perhaps most dangerous of all, though, is Turkish winger Kenan Yıldız who played in Bayern Munich's academy, but never the first team.

© ISABELLA BONOTTO

More on Juventus

Under new leadership this season with former midfield general Thiago Motta in the dugout, Juve have been imperious at the back and are the only team in Europe's big five leagues yet to concede a goal this season. Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović leads their attack with four goals, but Juve have already gone three games without scoring this season.

© IMAGO

1:06

Watch: The best of Loïs Openda on Matchdays 1 and 2

Among Šeško's incredible supporting cast, Juve will also have to be wary of Loïs Openda, who scored twice against Bayer Leverkusen to end their 43-game domestic unbeaten run on Matchday 2 of the Bundesliga.

1:28

Watch: Every Benjamin Šeško goal in 2023/24

Here's exactly what Juve have to be worried about...

A warning from Šeško

Benjamin Šeško scored his first two Bundesliga goals of the season in the win over Augsburg but he already has another against Atleti, and will be looking to strike again in Europe.

2:03

Watch: RB Leipzig 4-0 Augsburg - highlights

In the league Leipzig have been in sublime form, making it 11 points from a possible 15 with a big win over Augsburg before taking on Juventus.

Last time out in Europe

Juve won their Champions League opener 3-1 against PSV Eindhoven, while Leipzig fell 2-1 to Atletico Madrid.

Uncharted territory

These two sides have never faced each other before, with both taking a step into the unknown at the Red Bull Arena.

Welcome!

Thanks for joining us for build-up and live coverage of RB Leipzig's second UEFA Champions League game of the 2024/25 league phase at home to Juventus of Italy on Wednesday.

Want more Bundesliga Action?

GET THE UPDATES!

Match stats

• Šeško has scored five Champions League goals in total for Leipzig - and now has three this season.
• Openda has four goals to show for his first ten Champions League appearances for Leipzig.
• Leipzig are playing Champions League football for the seventh time. Their best run was to the 2019/20 semi-finals.
• Die Roten Bullen have now won two, drawn one and lost two of their five meetings with Italian opposition.
• Rose's team have now lost two of their last 20 competitive games (including the 2-1 defeat to Atléti).
• Leipzig are the 10th different German club to face Juventus in UEFA competition, after Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Eintracht Braunschweig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg and Hertha Berlin. 
• McKennie made 75 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke between May 2017 and the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

Teams

Leipzig: Gulácsi - Geertruida (Vermeeren 87'), Orbán (c), Lukeba, Raum - Seiwald (Poulsen 87'), Haidara (Nusa 75') - Baumgartner (Henrichs 46'), Xavi - Šeško, Openda (André Silva 90+1')
Unused subs: Vandevoordt, Bitshiabu, Elmas, Klostermann, André Silva, Gebel
Out: Kampl (groin), Ouédraogo (knee), Schlager (knee)
Coach: Marco Rose

Juventus: Di Gregorio - Savona (Douglas Luiz 61'), Kalulu, Bremer (c) (Gatti 6'), Cambiaso - Fagioli, McKennie - González (Conceicao 12'), Koopmeiners, Yıldız (Perin 60') - Vlahović
Out: Adžić (muscular), Milik (knee), Weah (ankle)
Coach: Thiago Motta

About the clubs

RB Leipzig

Red Bull Arena