Hoffenheim 0-1 RB Leipzig
Goals: 0-1 Poulsen (60')

The match began at a furious tempo with both teams pressing high up the pitch and getting forward at breakneck speed. The first chance fell to Hoffenheim in the sixth minute when Christoph Baumgartner strode forward before sliding a pass into Andrej Kramaric to his left. The Croatian cut onto his right foot and curled a shot towards the far corner, but it was a tame effort and Peter Gulacsi saved comfortably. At the other end, Poulsen was a hair’s width away from connecting with a teasing Marcel Sabitzer cross in what was Leipzig’s best opening, but the best chance fell to the hosts midway through the half. A short corner was worked to Sebastian Rudy, whose deep cross to the back post found unmarked centre-back Kasim Adams, who somehow headed wide from close range with the goal at his mercy.

Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann made two changes at half-time, bringing on Justin Kluivert and Marcel Halstenberg in an effort to shake up his side’s attacking play. It had the desired effect and the visitors look the lead on the hour-mark when Sabitzer’s cushioned header from Angelino’s floated cross teed up Poulsen to volley in the opener. The game began to open up after that, and Baumgartner almost brought Hoffenheim level with a glancing header on the edge of the six-yard box, but Gulacsi made a brilliant save to tip it over the bar. The home side threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Leipzig remained firm at the back, giving Nagelsmann an important victory over his former side.

TSG Hoffenheim Hoffenheim - RBL Leipzig RB Leipzig

Poulsen the difference as Leipzig edge Hoffenheim