RBL reach last 16 with 1-0 DFB-Pokal win over Babelsberg
RB Leipzig reach the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal | Red Bulls defeat fourth-tier SV Babelsberg 1-0 | Dominik Szoboszlai with the only goal of the game
On to the round of 16! RB Leipzig overcame fourth-division side SV Babelsberg 03 in the second round of the DFB-Pokal. Dominik Szoboszlai scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win that could have been significantly higher.
Jesse Marsch’s side seized control of the game from the first minute. The first couple of chances fell to Benjamin Henrichs, who was unable to find the target (7’, 9’). Babelsberg goalkeeper Jannick Theißen was impressive between the sticks for the home side, denying Yussuf Poulsen on two occasions (19’ 20’) before denying Hugo Novoa a goal on his first professional start.
The hosts had their only chance of the first half in the 16th mintute when Tino Schmidt rounded Josep Martínez, who had rushed out of his area, but couldn’t take advantage. Shortly before the break, Dominik Szoboszlai finally broke the deadlock, slotting between the legs of Theißen after receiving the ball from Poulsen (45’).
The second half was a similar story with many efforts on the Babelsberg goal. Poulsen (47’, 52’), Szoboszlai (49’) and Henrichs (59’) had the most noteworthy chances to increase the lead. There was one moment of danger at the other end in the 71st minute when Robin Schmidt hit the side netting with Babelsberg’s first shot of the game. Substitute Christopher Nkunku headed over from six yards (75’) before having a goal ruled out for offside in added time (90+5’).
STATISTICS
SV BABELSBERG 03:
Theißen - Wilton, Lela (C), Hoffmann, Wegener – Danko, Gencel - Müller, Schmidt (81' Zille), Rausch (56' Jürgens) – Frahn
Unused subs: Flügel, Kastrati, Moravec, Reimann, Sietan, Härtel, Pilger
RB LEIPZIG:
Martínez - Henrichs, Orban (C), Simakan (80' Gvardiol,), Angeliño - Adams, Kampl - Novoa (90' Forsberg), Szoboszlai (81' Moriba)- Poulsen, Silva (68' Nkunku)
Unused subs: Tschauner, Bonnah, Mukiele, Haidara, Raebiger
REFEREE:
Benjamin Cortus (Röthenbach)
GOALS: 1-0 Szoboszlai (45')
YELLOW CARDS:
Wilton (42'), Gencel (49'), Frahn (74')
ATTENDANCE:
6,000 | Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion, Potsdam
FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHTS
Kick off:
Underway at Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion.
7th minute:
After a quiet opening phase, the first dangerous moment comes from an RBL free kick on the right-hand side. Szoboszlai crosses into the area, where Henrichs rises highest but can't get his header on target.
9th minute:
Another free kick, another chance! Szoboszlai takes again and Poulsen lays down to Henrichs whose shot goes just over the bar.
10th minute:
The RBL pressure keeps rising. Poulsen shoots from outside the area, but his effort is too central and no problem for goalkeeper Theißen.
16th minute:
First response from the home side: Müller latches on to a long ball and rounds goalkeeper Martínez, who had rushed out of his area. The Babelsberg man is forced wide and his shot goes over the bar from a narrow angle.
20th minute:
Good chance for Yussi after receiving the ball in the area from Henrichs. Goalkeeper Theißen is on hand to save.
29th minute:
Nearly the opening goal! Novoa dribbles inside from the right and gets into the area before shooting towards the front post from close range. Theißen saves one-on-one.
31st minute:
RBL continue to dominate. This time it's Szoboszlai who has a go from 25 metres. The ball is slightly deflected and goes just wide to the right.
38th minute:
Next good chance! Poulsen beats off Hoffmann in the area, turns and shoots from a narrow angle. His shot goes across the face of goal
45th minute, GOAL for RBL:
YES! Poulsen does really well and finds Szoboszlai in the area, who shoots between the legs of the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. 1-0!
Half time:
RBL's dominance on the pitch is replicated in the stats at the break: 12-0 shots on target and 78% possession. However, goalkeeper Theißen has only had to pick the ball out of his net on one occasion and Szoboszlai's strike is the only thing separating the sides.
SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHTS
47th minute:
Almost 2-0. Angeliño finds Poulsen who shoots just wide from the edge of the six yard box.
49th minute:
Nearly the second of the day for Szoboszlai. He forces Theißen into another save.
52nd minute:
Poulsen again with the next chance. The Babelsberg goalkeeper is once again on hand.
59th minute:
Henrichs wins the ball on the edge of the area and shoots - his shot goes just wide of the post.
63rd minute:
Silva shoots following a corner, but his powerful effort is over the bar.
65th minute:
Poulsen stays down after suffering a knock to the ankle. He'll be okay to play on.
71st minute:
Danger for RBL! Schmidt does really well to dribble past Simakan in a dangerous area before finding a teammate in Müller, whose shot ends up hitting the side netting. First shot from the hosts and a warning to Jesse Marsch's side!
75th minute:
A fantastic cross from Szoboszlai finds substitute Nkunku on the edge of the six yard box, who heads over the bar! That should have gone in!
90th minute:
Babelsberg look for a late blow, but a shot comes to nothing.
90+3rd minute:
Two substitutes link up and Forsberg squares to Nkunku two-on-one on the goalkeeper and Christo rolls the ball home from close range. Unfortunately, the flag was up for offside.
Full time:
Only one goal and it could and should have been more, but a win is a win.