"A Cut Above": Leipzig's Frustration After the Loss to Como

After a nightmare start to the Champions League season with a crushing defeat against Como, RB Leipzig’s defensive leader Willi Orban had some strong words to say. “They were at least a class above us, especially when it came to ball control,” said the veteran shortly before midnight following the 1–4 loss to the Italian first-division club. “We lacked intensity and toughness in one-on-one situations. We were too inexperienced; at times, we weren’t clever enough. You can’t get by in the Champions League without physicality.”

Andrija Maksimovic’s goal in the 58th minute to make it 1–3 had briefly reignited some hope. But in the end, Leipzig was completely dominated by Como’s offense, led by playmaker Nico Paz and goal scorers Martin Baturina, Tasos Douvikas, and Assan Diao. Maxime Perrone’s late goal to make it 4-1 ultimately sealed a result that was justified by the margin of victory.

Orban played his 39th Champions League match on Lake Como—it was rarely more sobering. “We saw what it means to be active with the ball, make good decisions, and play good passes in the final third,” said the 33-year-old. “We need to learn from our opponents.” Just like two years ago, Leipzig started the league phase with a loss; back then, they ultimately managed only one win in eight games.

Must-Win Match Against Hamburger SV

To ensure this season doesn’t turn into a similar fiasco, the right lessons must be learned from the frustrating match in Como. “Of course, it’s brutally painful. If we’re smart, we can take a lot away from this game,” said Orban. That starts with pressing, continues with ball possession, and ends with defensive intensity. In their last two competitive matches, Leipzig conceded seven goals.

On Sunday, the Saxons host Hamburger SV. “We have to pull ourselves together,” Orban warned. A win against the Bundesliga’s bottom-place team—which is also struggling—should be a given; anything less would cause further unease. The return of Assan Ouédraogo and Brajan Gruda, Christopher Nkunku’s increasing playing time, and Maksimovic’s strong performance offer cause for hope.