RBL youngsters catch the eye

After the restart, Maarten Vandevoordt prevented another early setback with a superb save. Backpedalling, the Belgian managed to tip Youri Regeer’s long-range effort onto the crossbar. There was little Vandevoordt could do around 20 minutes from time, however, when Niclas Füllkrug was left unmarked to head home from 12 yards.

Antonio Nusa’s long-range strike then hit the bar as Leipzig looked for an immediate response. Once Marco Grüll made it 3-0, the visitor's hopes of getting back into the game were all but over. Ridle Baku’s powerful header proved to be no more than a consolation, although it was at least the right-back’s third goal in as many competitive appearances this season.

One positive from an otherwise disappointing afternoon was the contribution of youngsters Andrija Maksimović and Samba Konaté, who both came on late and added fresh impetus going forward. Maksimović showed good awareness to pick out Baku for his headed goal, and Schäfer praised the Serbian for his assist: “I’m really pleased for Maksi. He deserved that.”