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Diomande redeems Leipzig at the Reitz audition

Diomande redeems Leipzig at the Reitz audition
Yan Diomande gave Leipzig the lead / Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa
From: DieSachsen News
Bratwurst boycott, whistles and a banner against Rocco Reitz: Leipzig bites its teeth out at Gladbach's keeper - but then comes the appearance of Yan Diomande.

Boycott of bratwurst, explosive Reitz pre-match - and the X-factor Yan Diomande: thanks to its super dribbler, RB Leipzig defeated relegation-threatened Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-0 (0-0) after missing numerous chances. In front of 47,800 fans, Leipzig consolidated third place in the Bundesliga thanks to the Ivorian's late goal (81st minute), while Borussia, led by future Leipzig player Rocco Reitz, were not rewarded for a good performance.

Reitz, who will move to Saxony in the summer for just under €20 million, was one of Gladbach's most eye-catching players, repeatedly driving his team on from the center of midfield. Sporting director Rouven Schröder had already tried to take the heat out of the issue before kick-off. "Rocco is a Borussia boy who will do anything for his club. He's really been a part of Borussia since he was a kid here," said the ex-Leipzig native on Sky. Meanwhile, Gladbach fans hoisted a banner with the inscription: "Whoever wants this must never be our captain."

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Room at the posts

The Gladbach fans traditionally remained silent at the opening of the thoroughly entertaining Bundesliga match and accompanied every Leipzig possession with a concert of whistles. In addition, the hard core of VfL supporters had also called on fans to refrain from eating bratwurst and drinking beer - but the aroma of the barbecue did win over quite a few fans.

Not much of a top-class performance happened on the pitch at first, but Leipzig put up much more resistance than expected. Everything went according to plan at first. David Raum (3) received the ball on the left side of the penalty area, but lobbed the ball against the post. After eleven minutes, the international played a pass to Ridle Baku, who ran in behind the defense, but the full-back's shot was brilliantly held by Moritz Nicolas.

The Gladbach goalkeeper, who had already had an outstanding day a week ago in the 2-2 draw against Heidenheim, continued to cause problems for Leipzig's attack. The 28-year-old kept out Romulo's shot from seven meters out in the 19th minute and Nicolas Seiwald's header in the 36th minute.

Bolin's shot cleared off the line

In between, Gladbach repeatedly raised the tempo in the Leipzig defence - and had great chances to take the lead. Jens Castrop (18) appeared completely free in front of RB keeper Maarten Vandevoordt after a lob, but then also failed to beat him. A header from the 22-year-old flew just wide three minutes later.

And then there was Hugo Bolin. The Swede was substituted for Lukas Ullrich after 33 minutes. The left-back did not look injured, but had looked poor on several occasions against Baku and Yan Diomande. Seconds after Bolin's substitution, the ball landed at his feet following a corner, but the Malmö loanee's shot was blocked on the line by El-Chadaille Bitshiabu.

Nicolas again and again

After the changeover, Gladbach initially failed to maintain their level and allowed Leipzig to push them wide at times. Nicolas was on hand for Raum's chances (51st/73rd) - and otherwise Leipzig made it too complicated and too predictable for the visitors with various dribbles.

International players Assan Ouédraogo and Johan Bakayoko were supposed to put more pressure on the Gladbach goal in the final phase. But Nicolas was there to thwart Xaver Schlager's great chance (77'). Finally, a RB counter-attack did ignite. Christoph Baumgartner sent Diomande down the left flank and he drilled the ball into the far corner.

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