Szoboszlai brace sees Leipzig past Stuttgart
Szoboszlai with a goal either side of half time | Führich scores from penalty spot | Raum and Haidara return to starting XI
RB Leipzig enjoyed a successful start to the second half of the Bundesliga season with a 2-1 win over VfB Stuttgart. Dominik Szoboszlai was the star of the show, scoring both of his side’s goals; one either side of half time.
Stuttgart began the game well, remaining compact at the back and threatening on the break. Thomas Kastanaras came close to the opening goal for the visitors in the ninth minute, but Janis Blaswich pulled off a good save. David Raum was particularly dangerous down the left hand side, delivering several pinpoint crosses, but it was a set-piece that gave RB Leipzig the lead. Szoboszlai struck an effort from around 30 metres that bounced in front of goalkeeper Florian Müller and ended up in the back of the net (25’). André Silva got on the end of another Raum cross and came close to doubling the lead in the 32nd minute but his header hit the post.
Four minutes into the second half, the RBL advantage was increased. Szoboszlai was in space on the edge of the area, controlled a ball brilliantly and struck a right-footed effort into the bottom left corner (49’). Luca Pfeiffer’s header almost found the back of the net (57’), while Silva headed over at the other end (63’). VAR was called into action in the 67th minute and Joško Gvardiol was penalised for a handball in the penalty area. Chris Führich converted from the spot, and Stuttgart pushed for a winner but RBL were able to see the victory over the line and increase their unbeaten run to sixteen games.
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Match info:
RB LEIPZIG:
Blaswich – Orbán, Olmo (46' Forsberg), Haidara, Werner (84' Poulsen), Szoboszlai, Silva (69' Laimer), Raum (80' Halstenberg), Schlager, Gvardiol, Henrichs (80' Klostermann)
Unused subs: Nyland – Simakan, Ba
VFB STUTTGART:
Müller – Anton, Endo, Vagnoman, Stenzel, Karazor, Pfeiffer (88' Kuol), Ito, Führich (80' Coulibaly), Nartey (88' Egloff), Kastanaras (46' Perea)
Unused subs: Bredlow – Millot, Guirassy, Aidonis, Reichardt
REFEREE:
Felix Zwayer (Berlin)
GOALS:
1-0 Szoboszlai (25'), 2-0 Szoboszlai (49') | 2-1 Führich (68', penalty)
ATTENDANCE:
46,158 | Red Bull Arena
YELLOW CARDS:
Marco Rose (90'+3)
First half highlights:
1ST MINUTE:
Underway here! Let's go, boys!
9TH MINUTE:
Janis with a big save early on! Stuttgart win the ball in midfield and Endo plays forward quickly to Kastanaras, who shoots with his right. Blaswich gets down quickly and turns round the post.
13 MINUTE:
Marco Rose’s side have had almost 60% of possession, but Stuttgart have been compact off the ball and are looking to hit on the counter.
20TH MINUTE:
Stuttgart have had the quicker start to the game and have produced five shots. At the other end, we’re yet to have an effort on goal.
23RD MINUTE:
That’s better! A patient and controlled move ends with a Raum cross from the left towards the far post, where Silva rises highest. Unfortunately he can’t get it on target.
25TH MINUTE, GOOAAL FOR LEIPZIG!
Szobo scores a free kick from around 30 meters out! Our number 17 hits it to bounce just in front of goalkeeper Florian Müller and it’s a very uncomfortable bounce for the Stuttgart goalkeeper. He gets a hand to it but can’t parry clear, and the ball finds the back of the net! 1-0.
27TH MINUTE:
That’s Leipzig's 12th goal from a set piece – a league high!
32ND MINUTE:
Silva has been dangerous down the left. Yet another good cross finds André Silva, but his header bounces off the outside of the post.
35TH MINUTE:
Raum to Silva again! This time the header is on target but it’s no problem for Müller.
HALF TIME:
A composed and patient game from Leipzig is paying off so far as Marco Rose’s side navigated a strong Stuttgart beginning to deservedly lead 1-0 at the break.
First half in photos
Second half highlights:
46TH MINUTE:
Both teams make one change each at the break. Emil Forsberg comes on for Dani Olmo, while Bruno Labbadia introduces Juan Jose Perea in place of Thomas Kastanaras.
46TH MINUTE:
Close! Nartey finds himself one on one with Blaswich and beats our keeper, but his effort is just wide of the far post.
49TH MINUTE, GOOOAAL FOR LEIPZIG!
Haidara plays the ball into the penalty area from the left flank, which is played out by the defence but only as far as Szoboszlai. He brings the ball down with one touch and fires a low shot into the bottom left corner from the edge of the area! 2-0.
57TH MINUTE:
From a dead ball, Stuttgart send the ball into the box and Endo sents it towards Pfeiffer, but he heads over from close range.
63RD MINUTE:
Raum with another ball into the box from the left wing and again it’s Silva who meets it. It’s a decent opportunity but he puts it just over the bar.
67TH MINUTE:
Penalty for Stuttgart! A VAR intervention sees Gvardiol penalised for a handball.
68TH MINUTE, GOAL FOR STUTTGART:
Chris Führich steps up and sends the ball low to Blaswich’s right. He goes the right way and gets a hand on the ball but can’t stop it. 2-1.
80TH MINUTE:
Leipzig make a double substitution with Marcel Halstenberg and Lukas Klostermann coming on for Benjamin Henrichs and Raum.
88TH MINUTE:
Some smart play from Leipzig sees them control possession of the ball in the closing phases.
90TH MINUTE:
Six minutes are played. Stuttgart are throwing everything at Leipzig for another goal, while Leipzig have not been able to capitalise on a couple of chances to counter attack. A tense ending!
96TH MINUTE:
Substitute Poulsen is played in by Szoboszlai and hits a left footed shot goalwards under pressure, but Müller makes a good save.
FULL TIME:
A hard-fought 2-1 win! Marco Rose's side are now unbeaten in 16 competitive games.