Enlarge image
Emil Forsberg scored the remarkable goal to lead Leipzig
Photo:
Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Defending champion RB Leipzig is in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup.
The in-form Saxons had little trouble with TSG Hoffenheim in the round of 16 and won 3-1 (2-0).
This means that Leipzig is the third team to make it into the last eight after VfB Stuttgart and Union Berlin.
However, there was no party atmosphere.
In the run-up to the game, there was a medical emergency in the vicinity of the stadium.
RB Leipzig announced this shortly after kick-off.
The affected fan was treated and taken to a hospital.
The stadium remained largely silent during the game.
Leipzig confirmed their strong form from the start and put Hoffenheim under pressure.
With the first good chance, the reigning DFB Cup winner then immediately took the lead.
Emil Forsberg grabbed the ball on the left winger and pulled in, where Hoffenheim's defenders failed to attack decisively.
The Swede took aim from 18 meters and the ball bounced into the goal from the left inner post (8th minute).
Leipzig had the game under control afterwards and let the ball run in their own ranks.
Hoffenheim was only rarely able to free itself, before the break Leipzig made it 2-0.
Mohamed Simakan passed Konrad Laimer in the penalty area, who spun around and fired into the far corner (41').
After that, RB still had several chances to make the preliminary decision.
In the second half Thomas Delany came into play at Hoffenheim.
And the ex-Bremer loaned out by FC Sevilla was good for the Kraichgauer game, Hoffenheim was no longer as passive as before, but remained harmless on the offensive.
Leipzig didn't do more than was necessary either and played forward from time to time without taking any risks.
Hoffenheim still in crisis
Out of nowhere Hoffenheim got the goal: Substitute Kasper Dolberg headed in a cross from Angeliño (77').
Before TSG could really fight for the equalizer, Timo Werner made everything clear (83').
Shortly thereafter, Hoffenheim's Stanley N'Soki was sent off with yellow-red when he knocked the ball away (86').
After three games without a win in the league this calendar year, Hoffenheim is slipping further into the crisis and is under pressure ahead of the Bundesliga game in Bochum on Saturday to avoid being fully involved in the relegation battle.
Leipzig, on the other hand, underpinned its title ambitions - in the cup and in the league.
kyo