RB Leipzig take the lead in a lackluster match

RB Leipzig take the lead in the table after victory against FSV Mainz 05

RB Leipzig (blue) secured a comfortable win against Mainz 05 (red). / Photo: Torsten Silz/dpa

Mainz fans react to Klopp's move to RB

The game in Mainz was Leipzig's first competitive match since the appointment of Jürgen Klopp as Red Bull's head of soccer - at Klopp's old place of work, of all places. FSV fans made it clear before the game what they thought of their former player and coach's decision. "Klopp: I like people until they disappoint me" and "Are you crazy?" were written on posters by Mainz supporters.

While RB surprisingly started with a back three instead of a back four, the 05ers had to do without the Norwegian Andreas Hanche-Olsen at short notice. The 27-year-old broke the little toe on his right foot and will therefore miss the Rheinhessen side for the coming weeks.

Despite this absence, Mainz initially proved to be an uncomfortable opponent. The hosts hardly created any goal threat themselves. However, they managed to disrupt the favourites' build-up play early on.

Leipzig ice-cold - Zentner first unlucky, then with a mistake

However, the Saxons proved extremely efficient in the first half and took the lead with their first chance. Simons made it 1:0 with a strong individual move, but Mainz keeper Robin Zentner cut an unfortunate figure as the shot went through his legs.

After that, both teams continued to work on each other before Leipzig struck again with ice-cold precision. Zentner was unable to keep out a volley from Loïs Openda and deflected the ball at the feet of RB captain Orban, who scored into an empty net. It was the central defender's first goal in the Bundesliga since May 2023.

After the break, Mainz tried to open the scoring, but their efforts were not really compelling for a long time. Anthony Caci (67) had the best chance for the Rheinhessen until then. Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi was only just able to keep out his shot. At the other end, Benjamin Sesko made two solo runs towards the Mainz goal but failed to beat Zentner (70th/72nd). That did nothing to change Leipzig's comfortable victory.

RB Leipzig take the lead in the table after victory against FSV Mainz 05

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