Status: 25.10.2023, 23:07 p.m.
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Leipzig's Lois Openda (l) and Belgrade's Milan Rodic in a duel. © Jan Woitas/dpa
Leipzig put in a dominant performance against Belgrade. But it took a dream goal from Xavi Simons to secure an important victory to secure a place in the knockout stages.
Leipzig - First dominant, then briefly trembling: RB Leipzig have celebrated a landmark victory in the Champions League and can advance to the round of 3 in just two weeks' time. Coach Marco Rose's team ultimately won 1-1 (0-42) against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday and can make the knockout phase perfect as runners-up in Group G with a win in the second leg in two weeks' time. In front of 209,13 fans, Germany international David Raum (59th), Xavi Simons (84th) and Dani Olmo (70th) scored for the hosts, while Marko Stamenic (<>th) scored the equaliser.
Belgrade's Israeli coach Barak Bakhar had reported before the game that his wife and three children had to seek shelter from attacks at home almost every day. Wearing a black suit, the 44-year-old wore an Israeli flag as a pin on his right chest during the match. Bakhar had expressly thanked the German Football Association and the clubs for their support.
The Serbian fans created a magnificent Champions League atmosphere long before kick-off. 3400,2500 Red Star supporters had made their way from the city centre to the stadium on a fan march, and far more than the 13,<> fans in the away section set the mood for the <>-time Serbian champions. Via X, formerly Twitter, Leipzig fans complained that their block was full of opposing fans. However, the mood remained peaceful.
On the pitch, Leipzig had a clear advantage from the start. And that also led to the early lead. After successful counter-pressing, Simons served space, the German international scored his first goal in the Champions League and thus confirmed his good form for weeks. Four minutes later, Leipzig had a double chance to score the second goal. First Yussuf Poulsen failed with a shot, then Castello Lukeba with a header against Belgrade's strong goalkeeper Omri Glazer.
By half-time, Leipzig had increased their possession to 70 per cent, but did not create any further top chances. And the Serbs, in turn, became dangerous. Janis Blaswich (23') first saved against Mirko Ivanic and a few seconds later against Milan Rodic. Five minutes later, referee José María Sánchez pointed to the penalty spot, the Spaniard had seen a foul by Lukeba on Peter Olayinka. However, the video evidence clearly showed that the Leipzig player had played the ball.
Belgrade showed much more courage after the change, repeatedly finding gaps in Leipzig's defensive line. However, the guests needed too much time in decision-making, so that good ideas did not create chances. RB gave up control of the game a bit, initially trying to play a quick transition game.
However, a stroke of genius then ensured the preliminary decision. Simons, who was already strong, was free to finish from a good 20 yards out and flicked the ball wonderfully into the corner. Even Glazer, who had been impeccable until then, was powerless. The goal calmed Leipzig's nerves and RB regained more control of the game. However, Glazer continued to thwart the chances, including a free-kick by Openda (64') from the edge of the penalty area and a shot by Simons (67').
At the other end, Stamenic reduced the deficit after converting a deflected shot from Aleksandar Dragovic. Belgrade drew hope - but Olmo provided Leipzig relief with a dusting off a crossbar header by Christoph Baumgartner. Dpa