Dominant RB Leipzig dispatch Freiburg thanks to two set-piece goals
RB Leipzig kicked off their 2026 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Freiburg, thanks to second-half headers from Willi Orbán and Rômulo in a three-minute spell that proved decisive at the Red Bull Arena.
RB Leipzig 2-0 Freiburg
Goals: 1-0 Orbán 53’ (assist Raum), 2-0 Rômulo 56’
The match marked Leipzig's first game of 2026 after their weekend fixture against St. Pauli was postponed due to heavy snow in Hamburg.
For their part, Freiburg came into the contest in high spirits, having won their previous match against Hamburg, but were missing key defenders Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart through injury.
Tactical stalemate
The opening half proved to be a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances for either side. Freiburg started brightly with Yuito Suzuki looking lively in the early exchanges, although failing to produce a chance of note.
The best opportunity of the half fell to Nicolas Seiwald just after the half-hour mark when he combined neatly with Rômulo before firing a low shot that Noah Atubolu pushed away.
At the other end, Freiburg's only attempt of the entire game came from Maximilian Eggestein, whose 20th-minute header was comfortably gathered by Péter Gulácsi.
Orbán breaks deadlock
Leipzig emerged with renewed purpose after the interval and made the breakthrough in the 53rd minute. After Philipp Treu was penalised for handball just outside the box, David Raum delivered an inviting free-kick that Orbán met with a powerful header, giving Atubolu no chance. The goal was Orbán's first of the season, and it immediately galvanised the hosts, who looked to press home their advantage. Just minutes after the opener, Tidiam Gomis forced another save from Atubolu as Leipzig sensed blood.
Quick-fire double
Any hopes of a Freiburg comeback were effectively extinguished just three minutes later when Rômulo doubled Leipzig's lead. Raum's corner was met by Christoph Baumgartner, whose header was initially saved by Atubolu, but Rômulo was perfectly positioned to nod the rebound into the net from close range.
With a two-goal cushion, Leipzig continued to press forward and created numerous opportunities to extend their lead as both Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa struck the post.
Despite finishing with 21 shots to Freiburg's one, Leipzig had to settle for a 2-0 victory, though Ole Werner will be delighted with both the result and his team's commanding second-half display.
Man of the Match: Willi Orbán
The Hungarian defender was instrumental in Leipzig's victory, scoring the crucial opening goal and delivering a commanding defensive performance. Orbán's powerful header in the 53rd minute broke the deadlock at a time when the match was finely poised, and his goal prompted the decisive period that saw Leipzig take control. Beyond his goal, the captain marshalled the backline superbly, helping to limit Freiburg to just one shot on target throughout the entire match. His aerial dominance was evident throughout, winning numerous challenges both defensively and from attacking set-pieces. Orbán's leadership and all-round display made him a worthy recipient of the Man of the Match award.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leipzig 2.4 - Freiburg 0.09
Fastest player: Tidiam Gomis (Leipzig), 34.75 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Willi Orbán (Leipzig), 11.18 per cent
Most pressed player: Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Antonio Nusa (Leipzig), 3.28
Fantasy Heroes: David Raum (RB Leipzig, 427 Points), Willi Orbán (RB Leipzig, 405 Points), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig, 232 Points)
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