RB Leipzig won its first preseason friendly in preparation for the new Bundesliga season. However, the team led by new coach Martin Demichelis struggled mightily in its 2-1 (1-1) victory over VSG Altglienicke, a team from the Northeast Regional League. Brajan Gruda (8th minute) and Johan Bakayoko (51st minute) scored the goals for Leipzig. Jonas Nietfeld (22nd minute) equalized in front of 1,500 spectators in Markranstädt.
It was clear that both teams were still finding their rhythm. Altglienicke is considered one of the favorites for promotion to the Third Division and kicks off the new season next week against FC Erzgebirge Aue. After just five days of training, RB looked neither fresh nor well-coordinated. Only glimpses of the new aggressive and fast-paced style of play that Demichelis demands were visible in the second half.
The Argentine made a complete lineup change as the game progressed, also giving young players a chance. Suleman Sani, Tidiam Gomis, Samba Konaté, and Bakayoko—who hit the crossbar in the 71st minute—stood out. RB was particularly careless in defense; VSG capitalized on one such lapse to score, but squandered further chances.
