RasenBallsport Leipzig – SC Paderborn: Lackluster Leipzig Offer Paderborn The Ultimate Lifeline (1-1)

Pitted against top four contenders RB Leipzig, Paderborn found the odds firmly stacked against them. Yet the game barely adhered to the script many had envisioned beforehand. A dogged away performance, a red bull who lost his rag, and final minute drama contributed to a result that casts doubt on one team’s campaign and keeps the other’s alive. 
Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Under the stewardship of Julian Nagelsmann, indifferent spells of form have marred RB Leipzig’s chances of a title charge; indeed, the hosts have won twice and drawn twice in their four games since the resumption of league football. Now aiming to steer his team towards a top four finish, Nagelsmann made two alterations to the starting eleven that faced Köln. Both changes were in midfield, as Kevin Kampl and Tyler Adams stood in Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer.

Meanwhile, rooted to the foot of the Bundesliga table, Paderborn’s prospects of surviving relegation look increasingly bleak. Succumbing to a demoralizing 6-1 rout against Borussia Dortmund last matchday, the guests entered this game eight points below the relegation playoff spot. Manager Steffen Baumgart made three changes to the side that started against Dortmund, including the return of Klaus Gjasula to anchor the midfield alongside Sebastian Vasiliadis. 

Paderborn disciplined in defense
As early as the third minute, RB Leipzig exhibited their potency in the final third. The one-third of the pitch that is closest to the opposition’s goal. Nordi Mukiele underlapped Underlap means that the full-back joins the offensive play by playing on the inside of the winger he supports. This is the reverse of an overlap, where the full-back plays on the outside and . . .

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Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere (22) is an ardent Arsenal fan. He now writes as a journalist for several sites but his first love will always be BTP. [ View all posts ]

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