Zsolt Lőw's Leipzig triumph against ten-man Hoffenheim to boost European hopes
RB Leipzig defeated Hoffenheim in Zsolt Lőw's first Bundesliga match in charge, with Benjamin Šeško, Ridle Baku and Yussuf Poulsen on the scoresheet as the hosts moved within a point of fourth-placed Mainz.
RB Leipzig 3-1 Hoffenheim
Goals: 0-1 Bischof 11' (assist: Touré), 1-1 Šeško 24' (assist: Raum), 2-1 Baku 43', 3-1 Poulsen 84' (assist: Gomis)
Red card: Østigård 28'
The Red Bull Arena witnessed a thrilling encounter as Leipzig hosted Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga coaching debut of Lőw, who found himself facing the club whom he spent two years with as a player - with both teams eager to secure crucial points.
Hoffenheim's early shock
The visitors stunned the home crowd in the 11th minute when Tom Bischof unleashed a spectacular long-range effort that flew past Péter Gulácsi. The 19-year-old's strike, assisted by Andrej Kramarić, gave Hoffenheim a dream start and put Leipzig on the back foot. Christian Ilzer's men continued to press with Bazoumana Toure causing problems for the Leipzig defence with his pace and direct running.
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Leipzig's comeback and turning point
Leipzig's response came in the 24th minute when Šeško capitalized on a rare error from Oliver Baumann. The Slovenian striker's header, which seemed routine for the experienced goalkeeper, somehow slipped through his grasp and into the net. The equalizer energized the home side, but the real turning point came just four minutes later. Leo Østigård received a straight red card for a foul on Loïs Openda as the last man, leaving Hoffenheim to battle on with ten men for over an hour.
Leipzig seize control
With the numerical advantage, Leipzig began to dominate possession and create more chances. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Baku fired home from close range, converting a cross from Kosta Nedeljkovic. The goal was Baku's first in Leipzig colours and sent the home side into the break with a 2-1 lead. Despite being a man down, Hoffenheim showed resilience in the second half, with Gulácsi forced into a double save from Valentin Gendrey and Bischof to keep Leipzig's lead intact.
Poulsen seals the win
As the match entered its final stages, Leipzig's pressure finally told. In the 84th minute, substitute Poulsen found the net with a clinical finish, assisted by another substitute, Tidiam Gomis. The goal underwent a VAR check for a potential handball but was ultimately allowed to stand, putting the result beyond doubt. The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory for Leipzig, a scoreline that perhaps flattered the hosts given Hoffenheim's spirited performance with ten men.
Player of the Match: David Raum
David Raum emerged as the standout performer in Leipzig's victory. The left-back was a constant threat down the flank, providing width and dangerous crosses throughout the match. His assist for Šeško's equalizer proved crucial in turning the tide of the game. Raum's overall performance was reflected in his impressive fantasy score of 289 points, the highest of any player in the match. His combination of attacking threat and defensive solidity made him integral to Leipzig's comeback win.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leipzig 1.51 - Hoffenheim 0.71
Fastest player: Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), 35.27 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Tom Bischof (Hoffenheim), 2 percent
Most pressed player: Xavi Simons (Leipzig), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Castello Lukeba (Leipzig), +3.71
Fantasy Heroes: David Raum (Leipzig, 289 Points), Benjamin Šeško (Leipzig, 247 Points), Castello Lukeba (Leipzig, 218 Points)
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