RB Leipzig remain firmly on course for the Champions League thanks to a late goal from top scorer Lois Openda and have consolidated fourth place in the Bundesliga. The DFB Cup winners won 2:1 (1:0) at 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday and extended their lead over Borussia Dortmund to three points, at least temporarily. Fifth place may also be enough to secure a place in the top flight.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose, who was suspended for yellow cards, watched the game from the stands and was represented on the touchline by his assistants Alexander Zickler and Marco Kurth. However, as the Saxons had carefully studied the statutes, the head coach was at least able to speak to the team during the break.
RB had significantly more possession in the first half, but hardly any chances worth mentioning. Two shots from Xavi Simons in the early stages were harmless, and after just over half an hour, Sesko hit the ball against the right-hand side of the net.
The Heidenheim side initially stood firm defensively. They lay in wait for counter-attacks and Leipzig's inaccuracies - such as in the eleventh minute. RB defender Castello Lukeba lost the ball, but Kevin Sessa did not know how to punish that and failed to beat goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi with a weak low shot.
