Goal drought ended: Sesko and Xavi conjure RB to victory against FCA

The three Leipzig goal scorers in one picture: Benjamin Sesko, Xavi and Lois Openda.
IMAGO/HMB Media

RB Leipzig had not beaten two Bundesliga games in a row, the Saxons presented themselves against FC Augsburg, where they drew against FC St. Pauli Nusa (Bundesliga starting eleven debut), Lukeba and Openda against von Klostermann, Baumgartner and Poulsen Started ice cold in the opening quarter of an hour and sank the first two promising attempts directly into the net. First, Sesko welded the ball into the far corner from around 25 meters (11th), shortly afterwards, after good pressing and winning the ball, Raum crossed perfectly to the attacker, who completed the double with a header (15th).

Gouweleeuws misses from the spot

The FCA, in which Tietz replaced the suspended Essende in comparison to the 2:3 defeat against FSV Mainz 05, had to shake themselves a bit after the quick goals conceded, while the Leipzig team controlled the game. Little by little, the guests from the Fugger city found their initial courage again and repeatedly appeared in the final third. After Geertruida illegally knocked the released Giannoulis off his feet in the penalty area, he had the chance to score from the spot.

RB keeper Gulacsi turned Gouweleeuw's penalty well around the post (27th). Shortly before, the guests had been happy to get a trade meter, protests after a ball slipped through to Nusa were unsuccessful even after a VAR check.

Labrovic in focus

After a bit of idleness as a result of this eventful half hour, the game picked up again towards the end of the first half. But Augsburg didn't really pose a threat in front of the RB goal, the Saxons had a good chance to finish through Nusa (next to them, 40'), Labrovice made a strong save against Openda to ensure that a mistake by Schlotterbeck didn't make it 0-3 from Augsburg's perspective led (42nd).

However, Leipzig's third goal was only a foregone conclusion, because shortly after the restart, Xavi led the ball perfectly into Openda's run, which Eiskalt increased in front of Labrovic (46th). It was the start of a very dominant second half for the home team. There was attack after attack on the Augsburg goal, with the guests just chasing after them.

Xavi also scores

Someone who hadn't really gained momentum this season was becoming more and more active: Xavi was always the initiator of promising attack attempts and rewarded himself with his first goal of the season in the 57th minute – a remarkable one at that. A cross extended by Sesko allowed Xavi to volley over the instep and slide into the right corner.

Augsburg coach Jess Thorup tried to provide a breath of fresh air with the introductions of Matsima and Mounié, but nothing more than a quick finish from Mounié over the Leipzig goal came out (60th).

RB misses further chances – new club record

The Saxons remained determined to play, Labrovic had to play again after Xavi's pass against Openda (62nd). The FCA was rarely able to free itself sustainably, but RB's determination also waned. In the final phase, the Rose team slowed down a bit, but had everything under control.

Even though Openda (88th) and Geertruida (90th) missed further chances, at the end there was a well-deserved home win – and four goals of their own, exactly as many as Leipzig had previously scored in four games. The Saxons have also set a club record: they have now been unbeaten in the Bundesliga for 16 games.

Goals and cards

1:0Sesko (11')

2:0Sesko (15')

 
 

Game data

Leipzig

augsburg

Game info

stadium	Red Bull Arena
Viewers	44,407

RB will first be challenged in the Champions League against Juventus Turin on Wednesday (9 p.m., LIVE! on kicker), before the away game in Heidenheim awaits on Sunday (3:30 p.m.). Augsburg welcomes Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday (8:30 p.m.).