RB Leipzig’s push for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga has been bolstered by a 2-1 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday. Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg provided Leipzig with the inspiration as they notched up a goal and an assist apiece, allowing Leipzig to provisionally move up to fourth in the standings on 42 points, just one behind Bayern Munich and Union Berlin.
At the one-hour mark, Leipzig launched Christopher Nkunku onto the field. The France international was full of energy as he resumes playing after a lengthy injury recovery time. His presence added vigour to Leipzig’s attack and it paid dividends as Werner scored the winner just two minutes later.
It remains to be seen what Leipzig can do in this season’s race for the Champions League qualification places, but Saturday’s result has certainly given them a massive boost in that regard. They look well placed to take advantage of any slip
The win was particularly important for Leipzig’s top-four quest, as their rivals are all closing in on them. Leipzig had to make sure that this game went their way if they wanted to remain competitive in the race for Champions League qualification.
Werner has been Leipzig’s main source of goals this season, scoring 20 times in 25 Bundesliga appearances so far. His tally of seven assists is also among the highest in Germany’s top flight and his performance against Frankfurt displayed why he is rated so highly around Europe. He opened the scoring after 17 minutes when he got on the end of a cross from fellow German international Marcel Sabitzer and headed it past goalkeeper Kevin Trapp. It was Werner’s fifth goal in five games and his eighth since returning from injury earlier this month.
Forsberg also played an important role in Leipzig’s win, setting up Werner’s opener before sealing Leipzig’s victory late on with a well-taken strike from inside the penalty area. This goal was Forsberg’s ninth of the season and his sixth since February 17th – making him Leipzig’s second most potent attacking threat behind Werner.
Leipzig will now be hoping that their two star players can keep delivering such performances if they are to maintain their current league position. The club has invested heavily into its squad over recent seasons and those investments have certainly paid off, with Leipzig currently boasting one of the best squads in Germany’s top flight. Alongside Werner and Forsberg, Leipzig also have Dayot Upamecano – who is attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs – as well as Christopher Nkunku, Nordi Mukiele and Marcel Halstenberg providing them with strength throughout their lineup.
The recent form displayed by Werner and Forsberg shows that Leipzig have enough talent amongst them to ensure Champions League football next season, but they will have to make sure that they keep up their strong form if they are to secure their place at Europe’s top table come next May. This will require both players to continue performing at a high level while wearing a Leipzig jersey until then; something which both players seem more than capable of doing if given the chance!