Narrow win against Rostock
Leipzig fulfills duty and dreams of the final
1/19/2022 9:06 p.m
The Leipzig team already see themselves as title contenders, but they first have to face second division side Hansa Rostock in the round of 16 of the DFB Cup. After a brilliant start, RB slows down for long stretches. The decision is made shortly before the end.
The mandatory task fulfilled, already thinking about the final: RB Leipzig prevailed in the round of 16 of the DFB Cup 2-0 (1-0) over second division FC Hansa Rostock. After the elimination of the top clubs from Munich, Dortmund and Leverkusen, the only thing that counts for last year’s finalists is getting into the final again. Yussuf Poulsen (6th minute) paved the way for this with his first goal since the beginning of November, a few minutes before the end Dani Olmo (82nd), who had just been substituted, increased – the few spectators allowed already chanted “Berlin, Berlin, we’re going to Berlin”.
Coach Domenico Tedesco experienced a premiere even before kick-off. For the first time in his RB career, which has been running since mid-December, the 36-year-old was welcomed by his own fans in the stadium. 1000 spectators had been approved, Leipzig’s first home game in front of fans since November.
And the supporters, among whom there were also some Hansa fans, were immediately spoiled in the grandstand. Lukas Klostermann crossed to the far post from the right. There Poulsen was completely free and headed in without any problems. It should remain one of the few warming scenes of the first half. Leipzig completely slowed down, Hansa was primarily concerned with defending anyway.
It only became dangerous when Christopher Nkunku was involved. A free kick by the top scorer landed on Willi Orban (28th), the defense chief’s shot on the outer post. Then Nkunku (39th) did it himself. His shot from the turn hit the crossbar. Hansa keeper Markus Kolke would have had no chance. His Leipzig colleague Peter Gulacsi was completely unemployed, so he was happy about his 250th competitive appearance for Leipzig, according to the club.
Hansa coach Jens Härtel had emphasized before the game that the league had priority and rotated accordingly. Top scorer John Verhoek didn’t even make the trip. But with the break only 0: 1, the former RB youth coach apparently sensed a chance. Bentley Baxter Bahn and Nico Neidhardt were two regulars, and Haertel brought Ryan Malone into play.
Tedesco came on at a high level, bringing on striker André Silva for Poulsen. At least a little more momentum came into play on both sides. Klostermann (47′) fired a shot from 20 meters just wide of the goal and Hansa sent two signs of life. First, Streli Mamba (49′) hit the side netting after a counterattack, then a shot from Neidhardt (51′) hissed just wide of the far post.
However, the game then lost speed again, which was mainly due to RB’s deliberately slow build-up game. Silva (60th) could have headed the second goal, but Kolke was there. Hansa tried a few counterattacks, but often failed because of their own quality. The game was finally over when Olmo scored to make it 2-0 with a dry shot from Nkunku.
