Steely Leipzig start 2017 as they mean to go on
A chastening defeat to record German champions FC Bayern München is enough to knock a team's confidence for six, but not RB Leipzig.
Humbled at the Allianz Arena prior to the winter break, the Bundesliga debutants fired a shot across the bows of their doubters by hitting three without reply past ten-man Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 17.
"It was really important for us to start like that," explained Leipzig head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl after the game. "It was a six-pointer against a direct rival. The manner in which we got the job done fills us with confidence. We were dominant."
Watch: Timo Werner reviews Leipzig's 3-0 triumph over Frankfurt:
Determined to draw a line under just their second Bundesliga defeat, Leipzig were given a helping hand by Frankfurt goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky's third-minute sending off for handball. Veteran defender Marvin Compper scored from the ensuing free-kick, with Timo Werner's 10th Bundesliga strike of the season and a Jesus Vallejo own goal adding the gloss to a ruthlessly efficient display.
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"The red card was unfortunate for them, but it was by no means a given that we'd go on and play as we did," Hasenhüttl continued. "We played brilliantly after a little lull following the opening goal. We moved the ball well, were flexible and got the ball into the box. It was a deserved win, but - given the sending off - we won't be using it as a yardstick."
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