Werner’s Leipzig ‘back on course’ for Champions League with Cologne win
Berlin, Tuesday
RB Leipzig reclaimed third place in the standings after coming from behind to beat newly-promoted FC Cologne 4-2 in the final game of the 29th round of the Bundesliga on Monday.
Both sides did not need long to get into gear as Leipzig’s Timo Werner forced Cologne goalkeeper Timo Horn into action before Jhon Cordoba tapped home Elvin Rexhbecaj’s rebound from close range to break the deadlock at the other end of the pitch with only seven minutes played.
Leipzig remained unfazed and restored parity in the 20th minute when Patrik Schick made the most of Angelino’s pinpoint cross into the box.
The visitors gained momentum while Cologne were rattled and kept all their men behind the ball.
As a result, Leipzig turned the tide in the 38th minute as Konrad Laimer’s through ball allowed Christopher Nkunku (pictured) to lob the ball over onrushing Horn for a 2-1 lead.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men had a perfect start in the second half as a goal-kick from Peter Gulacsi found Werner, who had a lot of green ahead and beat Horn with a shot into the bottom right corner in the 50th minute.
The home side did not throw in the towel, however, and reduced the arrears through Anthony Modeste whose long-range hammer surprised Gulacsi in the 55th minute.
Relentless Leipzig showed no mercy and restored their two-goal lead only two minutes later as Cologne failed to clear a ball from the area, allowing Dani Olmo to score his maiden Bundesliga goal from the edge of the box.
Cologne thought they had a penalty awarded but after consultation with the video assistant referee the decision was overturned in the 73rd minute.
The hosts still kept it bowling but it was only Leipzig who produced promising chances but neither Werner nor Olmo were able to extend the lead in the closing stages.
“I have mixed feelings about this game. We scored four away goals and that is good for now. However, we also conceded two goals, which is clearly too much,” Leipzig’s goalkeeper Gulacsi said. -Xinhua
