Lowly Arminia Bielefeld inflict first defeat on Domenico Tedesco's RB Leipzig
Janni Serra and Masaya Okugawa scored second-half goals as the 10 men of relegation-threatened Arminia Bielefeld celebrated a shock win away to RB Leipzig.
RB Leipzig 0-2 Arminia Bielefeld
Goals: 0-1 Serra (58'), 0-2 Okugawa 75' (assist: Krüger)
Red card: Klos (70')
Leipzig had barely got started when an injury to Emil Forsberg forced Domenico Tedesco into a midfield reshuffle. USMNT captain Tyler Adams was his replacement, but not even his direct running and industry could ruffle the feathers of a dogged Bielefeld unit. Christopher Nkunku headed comfortably over from a Dominik Szoboszlai cross with the hosts' only real attempt on goal, with Arminia stand-in goalkeeper Stefano Kapino untested in a hard-fought first half. Opposite number Peter Gulacsi was beaten on the stroke of half-time, but Okugawa's goal was ruled out for an offside against Patrick Wimmer in the build-up.
Bielefeld's next effort stood, however. Serra instigated a lightning counter with a pass out wide to Florian Krüger, before continuing his run and sliding in to convert after Gulacsi had denied Wimmer at close quarters. Leipzig were given a boost when Arminia substitute Fabian Klos was shown his marching orders upon VAR review, following a dangerous tackle on Willi Orban, but the visitors hadn't read the script. A mistake by Amadou Haidara gifted possession to Krüger, who picked out Okugawa for a clinical finish from 15 yards. Bielefeld battoned down the hatches to end the year only two points adrift of outright safety, with Leipzig six points off the top-four pace in ninth.
Match stats
- Bielefeld beat Leipzig for the first time, at the fifth attempt.
- It was Tedesco's first defeat as Leipzig coach.
- Serra scored his first Bundesliga goal.
- Okugawa is Arminia's top scorer this season with five Bundesliga goals.
- Bielefeld kept their fifth clean sheet of the campaign.
- Twenty-two points is Leipzig's lowest ever Hinrunde return.
Watch: Janni Serra reveals tears after goal
Line-ups
Leipzig: Gulacsi (c) – Mukiele (Simakan 65'), Orban (Brobbey 87'), Gvardiol – Henrichs, Forsberg (Adams 7'), Kampl (Haidara 65'), Angelino – Nkunku, Szoboszlai – Silva
Unused subs: Martinez, Moriba, Bonnah, Novoa, Wosz
Out: Halstenberg (knee), Klostermann (thigh), Laimer (ankle), Olmo (thigh), Poulsen (calf), Saracchi (knee)
Coach: Domenico Tedesco
Bielefeld: Kapino – Brunner (c), Pieper, Nilsson, Andrade – Wimmer (Lasme 71'), Schöpf, Vasiliadis (Kunze 58'), Okugawa – Serra (Klos 58'), Krüger (De Medina 90')
Unused subs: Schulz, Ramos, Czyborra, Fernandes, Cherny
Out: Laursen (muscular), Ortega (not included), Prietl (not included)
Coach: Frank Kramer
Watch: Gulacsi: “It’s not an easy situation for us”
Related news
Leverkusen's top five late goals
Xabi Alonso's Bundesliga champions have struck late to decide close encounters this season. bundesliga.com has picked out five of Bayer Leverkusen's best late goals in 2023/24.
Blockbuster weekend of football ahead on Matchday 31
Matchday 31 this weekend may well prove to be a truly defining moment of the campaign at both ends of the table, with a series of huge fixtures on the cards.
What can be confirmed this matchday?
Leverkusen are already champions, but could we see a first team relegated this weekend? Or more Champions League qualifiers confirmed? Find out what can be decided on Matchday 31...