A lone Christopher Nkunku goal was enough for RB Leipzig to seal all three points in a vital Saturday evening clash with Bayer Leverkusen, meaning Julien Nagelsmann’s side stays in touch with top-of-the-table Bayern Munich.
The Allianz Arena. Photo: planet fox via Pixabay
Both Leipzig and Leverkusen were looking to recover after surprising defeats last weekend, but neither team was able to break the deadlock in the first half.
But when the ball fell to Nkunku at the edge of the area, the former PSG midfielder’s first effort was well blocked. However, he recovered the rebound and smashed a second shot into the top left corner beyond Lukas Hradecky’s despairing dive.
Leipzig were desperate for the win after Bayern’s clinical performance at home to Hoffenheim earlier in the day.
The goals were shared around in a strong 4-1 win for Hansi Flick’s side, with Jerome Boateng joining Thomas Müller, Serge Gnabry and, of course, Robert Lewandowski on the scoresheet. Bayern have been red-hot since their defeat to BMG four gameweeks prior.
Elsewhere:
Bruno Labbadia was sacked as Hertha Berlin manager after last week’s humiliation at home by Werder Bremen, but there was no easy start for former player Pal Dardai, who was reappointed as head coach.
Hertha travelled to an in-form Eintracht Frankfurt side that has shot up the table in 2021, scoring plenty of goals in the process.
Although Krzysztof Piatek’s strike gave Hertha a brief lead, Andre Silva levelled proceedings only a minute later. Martin Hinteregger gave the hosts a late lead in the 84th minute before a Silva penalty secured the 3-1 win.
Hertha now sit precariously above the relegation zone ahead of FC Köln’s crucial tie with Arminia on Sunday.
Jadon Sancho was among the scorers as Borussia Dortmund beat Augsburg 3-1, with Die Schwarzgelben looking to re-establish their top-four spot.
High-flying Union Berlin held Borussia Mönchengladbach to a 1-1 draw, whilst it was also 1-1 between Werder Bremen and Schalke. Finally, Stuttgart beat Mainz 2-0 under Friday night lights, with the impressive Silas Wamangituka scoring again for his side.
The versatile Congolese attacker now has 11 goals and 3 assists this season and is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Game of the week:
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