Baumgartner's message: "I'm in the right place here"

After his gala performance, Christoph Baumgartner also made a commitment to RB Leipzig. Amid recent speculation about a possible move to Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, the 26-year-old emphasized: "I'm in the right place here."

And Baumgartner added in the catacombs of the Red Bull Arena after the 2-0 win over FC Heidenheim, including a goal from the strong Austrian: "I think we saw that today."

A dream goal and then some

His goal to make it 1-0 shortly after the break was as redeeming as it was worth seeing. Baumgartner curled the ball under the crossbar with the outside of his foot. The first goal of the season for RB after a humiliating 6-0 defeat at FC Bayern and a first half full of chances, but also very vulnerable against the almost relegated team of the previous season.

And Baumgartner also put in a strong performance in other respects. With a total of five shots on goal, he was RB's most dangerous attacking player and won 14 tackles, a record for Leipzig, according to the Bundesliga homepage. Coach Ole Werner said: "I could highlight many positive performances today, but Baumi's certainly speaks volumes." The new coach had many other words of praise for the 26-year-old, who had only come on as a substitute against Bayern.

Simons' departure a great opportunity

His problem: In Xavi Simons, another player had occupied Baumgartner's prime position at 10. However, the Dutchman moved to Tottenham Hotspur the day before the match against Heidenheim - and so Baumgartner moved to the position of playmaker in attack. His best position, as he himself emphasized. And proved it against Heidenheim.

"Basically, competition is always good," said Baumgartner: "But of course, you notice when a player leaves who was simply a permanent fixture in the position and you are perhaps needed a bit more by the team. That gives you a good feeling, of course."