Wout Weghorst's late equaliser keeps Wolfsburg unbeaten after RB Leipzig draw
Wout Weghorst scored his fifth goal of the season to keep Wolfsburg unbeaten, cancelling out Timo Werner's opener against RB Leipzig.
RB Leipzig 1-1 Wolfsburg
Goals: 1-0 Werner (54'), 1-1 Weghorst (82')
The Bundesliga's meanest defence this season proved its worth in the first half against one of the league's most fluid attacks. Pavao Pervan - continuing in goal for Wolfsburg despite Koen Casteels' return to training in the week - had little to do, with Leipzig reduced to half chances from Werner. Wolfsburg's three-man backline stood firm, while their attack was able to create chances despite seeing little possession. The Wolves could have gone ahead against the run of play on 20 minutes after Peter Gulacsi was forced to parry Dayot Upamecano's misplaced back-pass away from his goal. Maximilian Arnold smashed the indirect free-kick from 10 yards towards goal, but Gulacsi was able to block the ball with the entire Leipzig team on the line in support. The final chance of the half also fell Wolfsburg's way when Joao Victor set up Josip Brekalo, but Gulacsi was once again in the right place to make the save.
The visitors started the second half brightly with Weghorst forcing another Gulacsi save, but it was Leipzig who took the lead after 54 minutes. The home side's No.1 sent a long ball forward from a kick out of his hands, which bounced beyond Yussuf Poulsen for Werner to latch onto. After muscling past Kevin Mbabu, the Germany international rounded Pervan before placing the ball into the empty net. From that point on, however, it was all Wolfsburg. Chances for Josuha Guilavogui and Weghorst went begging before the pair combined to provide the equaliser with just eight minutes to play. When a loose ball fell to Guilavogui on the edge of the box, he played it to William at the back-post, and the Brazilian's first-time cross met Weghorst's run and the Dutchman provided a clinical finish.
Match stats
- Werner scored his first goal since Matchday 3, and sixth of the season. Only Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski has scored more in 2019/20.
- Werner has scored one goal in each of Leipzig's last three meetings at home to Wolfsburg.
- Weghorst has provided a goal or assist on seven of the eight matchdays this season (five goals and two assists).
- Wolfsburg still have the league's tightest defence with just five goals conceded. Goalkeeper Pervan has kept two clean sheets in his five games deputising for the injured Casteels.
- Wolfsburg remain the only unbeaten side in the Bundesliga this season after eight matches.
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Line-ups
Leipzig: Gulacsi – Klostermann, Upamecano, Orban (c), Saracchi – Sabitzer, Laimer (Kampl 76'), Demme, Nkunku (Forsberg 70') – Poulsen, Werner (Cunha 86')
Unused subs: Mvogo, Haidara, Ilsanker, Lookman, Mukiele, Krauß
Out: Adams (metatarsal), Ampadu (concussion), Konate (hip), Schick (ankle), Wolf (ankle)
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Wolfsburg: Pervan – Mbabu, Bruma, Tisserand – William, Guilavogui (c), Arnold, Roussillon (Steffen 68') – Victor (Klaus 87'), Brekalo (Nmecha 74') – Weghorst
Unused subs: Menzel, Malli, Gerhardt, Brooks, Knoche, Rexhbecaj
Out: Camacho (ankle), Casteels (match fitness), Ginczek (back), Mehmedi (thigh), Otavio (match fitness), Schlager (broken ankle)
Coach: Oliver Glasner
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