Benjamin Šeško salvages point for RB Leipzig against resilient Kiel
It was honours even for RB Leipzig and Holstein Kiel, who share the spoils after an intense 1-1 draw. Machino gave Kiel a deserved first half lead before Šeško levelled from the spot. Nasty and unfortunate injuries to both Péter Gulácsi and David Zec somewhat detracted from what was otherwise an enthralling Bundesliga match-up.
RB Leipzig 1-1 Holstein Kiel
Goals: 0-1 Machino 44‘ (assist: Skrzybski), 1-1 Šeško 74’ (pen.)
Leipzig's quest for a third consecutive Bundesliga victory under new coach Zsolt Lőw was dramatically halted by a resilient Holstein Kiel fighting for survival. The Red Bull Arena witnessed a tale of two halves, with the relegation-threatened visitors stunning the home crowd in the first period, before Leipzig managed to mount a second-half comeback.
Kiel's first-half dominance
Kiel, belying their position at the foot of the table, started the match with unexpected vigour. Their high-pressing game and swift counter-attacks repeatedly troubled the Leipzig defence. The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Machino capitalised on a well-worked move, slotting home from Steven Skrzybski's assist to give Kiel a deserved lead. The goal had been coming too, thanks to Kiel's first-half superiority, having created more clear-cut chances despite Leipzig's dominance in possession. It had been an intense affair too, with Lasse Rosenboom receiving a yellow card in the 29th minute, followed by Lukas Klostermann in the 41st, prior to the opener.
Leipzig's tactical shift and dramatic turning point
Leipzig made two crucial changes at half-time, with Lutsharel Geertruida replacing Kosta Nedeljkovic and Amadou Haidara coming on for Arthur Vermeeren, signalling Lőw's intent to change the game's dynamics. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 63rd minute when Leipzig goalkeeper Gulácsi and Kiel's Zec collided violently while challenging for the ball. The incident led to a lengthy stoppage and ultimately saw both players substituted, with Maarten Vandevoordt taking over between the sticks for Leipzig. This moment seemed to galvanise the home side, who had already shown signs of improvement following the tactical adjustments.
Leipzig's resurgence
As the second half progressed, Leipzig's increased pressure finally told. In the 74th minute, Loïs Openda was brought down in the box by Kiel goalkeeper Thomas Dähne, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Šeško stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, bringing the scores level and igniting hopes of a late Leipzig victory. The drama continued as Openda had a goal disallowed for offside in the 77th minute, further adding to the match's tension and providing Leipzig with hope of finding a winner.
Frantic finale
The final stages of the match were a frenetic affair, with both sides pushing for a winner. Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner came close with a curling effort that forced a fine save from Dähne, while Kiel's Fiete Arp had a golden opportunity in the dying moments, only to see his header saved by Vandevoordt. Arp's frustration was evident as he received a yellow card in the 98th minute, leading to tempers flaring on both sides. The match concluded with the points shared, a result that perhaps fairly reflected the balance of play over the 90 minutes.
Player of the Match: Loïs Openda
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Openda was a constant threat for the Leipzig attack. His pace and movement caused problems for the Kiel defence throughout the match, and it was his quick thinking that won the decisive penalty for the equaliser. Openda's top speed of 35.12 km/h was the highest in the match, demonstrating the lightning-fast pace he is blessed with. His ability to stretch the Kiel defence created space for his teammates and he was instrumental in Leipzig's second-half resurgence.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leipzig 1.9 - Holstein Kiel 1.37
Fastest player: Loïs Openda (Leipzig), 35.12 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Shuto Machino (Kiel), 53 percent
Most pressed player: Christoph Baumgartner (Leipzig), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Armin Gigović (Kiel), +1.99
Fantasy Heroes: Castello Lukeba (Leipzig, 331 Points), El Chadaille Bitshiabu (Leipzig, 308 Points), Christoph Baumgartner (Leipzig, 238 Points)
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