Second success in the third group match: RB Leipzig took a big step towards the round of the last sixteen of the Champions League on Wednesday. Coach Julian Nagelsmann's side defeated Zenit Saint Petersburg 2-1 (0-1) after a break and thus made amends following a home defeat by Olympique Lyon.
Leipzig got off to a good start and after a few minutes had a great opportunity to make it 1-0. However, a long-range shot by Konrad Laimer only clapped against the crossbar, Zenit goalkeeper Kerschakow had previously got his hand on the ball and thus prevented the goal.
Also in the following minutes RB was the dominant team, the guests from Russia, however, managed again and again to set up their own counterattack. One of them was successful in the 25th minute. Center-back Rakitzki took a rebound from the Leipzig defense at full risk and hit from 25 yards into the far corner.
As a result, the Leipzig struggled while attacking, Timo Werner had the equalizer also on the foot, but pulled from very close range, so that Petersburg could take the lead in the break.
The second half started optimally for RB. Again, Laimer was back to operating temperature early, he completed a worth seeing combination with Sabitzer to 1: 1, Kerschakow this time had no chance. Leipzig took the updraft into the half-time, pushed on and met: Marcel Sabitzer sat after an hour of play a shot from the edge of the box precisely and with best technique to 2: 1 in St. Petersburg. The game was turned.
The Russians then increased the pace once again and had two good chances to shoot. RB, on the other hand, was too nervous in front of goal, otherwise the match would have been decided earlier. Nevertheless, it was enough to retract the victory.
RB Leipzig - Zenit St Petersburg 2: 1 (0: 1)
0: 1 Rakitzki (25th)
1: 1 Laimer (48.)
2: 1 Sabitzer (59.)
Leipzig: Gulacsi - Klostermann, Orban, Upamecano, Mukiele - Kampl, Laimer (86th Demme) - Sabitzer, Forsberg, Lookman (69th Poulsen) - Werner (46th Cunha).
St. Petersburg: Kerzhakov - Karavayev, Ivanovic, Rakizki, Santos - Shatov (65th Osorio), Barrios, Osdojew - Dzuba, Azmoun (75th Kuzyev), Driussi (82nd Mak).
Referee: Ali Palabiyik (Turkey)
Spectators: 40,000
