London (dpa) - Thanks to Timo Werner, RB Leipzig can dream of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League after an outstanding performance.
The football striker crowned with his transformed penalty kick (58.) to 1-0 (0-0) victory in the first knockout round first leg of the team of coach Julian Nagelsmann at last year's finalist Tottenham Hotspur. RB could have won a lot higher in front of 60,095 spectators in the new Spurs stadium, which was not completely sold out, but is still in a good starting position in the second meeting on March 10.
At the knockout round in the Champions League, Leipzig's offensive was immediately at operating temperature. After 28 seconds, Patrik Schick just missed the Tottenham goal with his shot. A minute later, a double chance: first Werner's attempt was blocked, then Hotspur keeper Hugo Lloris steered the ball to the left post after Angelino's shot.
Even in the period that followed, the Bundesliga second always embarrassed Tottenham with his speed football. Only Steven Bergwijn checked RB goalkeeper Peter Gulasci (8th), the margin Dele Alli did not put in the Leipzig goal. But that was almost the attacking glory of star coach José Mourinho's team.
The absence of the long-term injured Harry Kane and the loss of former Bundesliga star Heung-Min Son due to a broken arm was felt on the Londoners' offensive. Neither will be in the second leg either. The RB cover, in which Dayot Upamecano was missing due to a yellow card suspension, was rarely in danger. The 19-year-old Ethan Ampadu made a sure impression as a middle man in the chain of three.
So the Saxons could switch to attack. In the first 45 minutes, the guests had over 60 percent possession of the ball and 13: 3 shots on goal - one goal alone did not succeed before the break. Even clearest options such as the header from Schick (17th) after a corner kick and the shot from Werner (36th), which failed in a free-standing position against Lloris, were left unused.
After the change, Tottenham had the first dangerous action by Lucas Moura (48.). Afterwards, the audience was offered the same picture as in half one. But to finally take the lead, the Leipzig team needed a penalty. After Ben Davies' foul on Konrad Laimer, international Werner (58.) converted safely and ended his five competitive goals. A little later, Schick could have increased, but failed again due to the strong Lloris (62nd).
Afterwards, the people of Leipzig took it easy. Tottenham was a little stronger. A free kick by Giovani Lo Celso (73.), which Gulasci was still guiding to the post, was one of the few excitements for RB. In the final phase, the hosts - driven by their coach Mourinho on the outside line - increased the pressure. But Leipzig's defensive endured and saved victory over time.
Champions League
Squad RB Leipzig
Squad Tottenham