Weak Leipzig team misses out on Champions League

RB Leipzig are facing a season without a European Cup at all next season. The Red Bull Group's multi-million pound soccer team only managed a very lucky 0-0 draw at Werder Bremen on the penultimate matchday and dropped to seventh place in the Bundesliga table. As a result, the ambitious Saxons lost out on the Champions League. Currently, they would not even be in the European Conference League.

Despite a strong performance, Bremen also have little chance of returning to Europe. A three-point deficit and a significantly worse goal difference are likely to be too great a burden in the league final.

Werder superior from the start

Werder got off to a furious start in the atmospheric Weserstadion. As early as the second minute, Leipzig's Lukas Klostermann was forced into a foul after a Bremen through-ball to Romano Schmid and was lucky not to see red for an emergency stop. Referee Bastian Dankert was of the opinion that Leipzig full-back Kosta Nedeljković was still at the same height.

Shortly afterwards, Marvin Ducksch had a great chance to give Bremen the lead but was denied by RB goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi, who had returned to goal for the visitors. Ducksch had been the subject of transfer rumors during the week. Werder reportedly want to let the attacker go in order to generate urgently needed transfer revenue in the summer.

Gulácsi best Leipzig player

In what could be his last home game at the Osterdeich, Ducksch gave it his all once again and created the best chance of the first half with a dream pass. But Schmid failed in his attempt to play around Gulácsi.

In contrast, there was little to see from Leipzig in the first half. The visitors relied exclusively on counter-attacks, but were unable to break through against Bremen's solid defense. The performance was clearly not good enough for a Champions League contender. Shortly before the half-time whistle, Leipzig were also fortunate that Bremen were not awarded a penalty after El Chadaille Bitshiabu's hard tackle on Ducksch.

Werder remain better

Even after the break, Werder remained the clearly dominant team. Spurred on by their vociferous supporters, who are so desperate to return to Europe, the Whites created numerous good chances but were unable to capitalize on them. Ducksch in particular had the lead on his feet several times.

Leipzig only became dangerous after more than an hour. Nicolas Seiwald was unlucky with a shot off the crossbar and Xavi Simons failed to beat Werder goalkeeper Michael Zetterer. After that, it was Werder's turn again and they created chances almost by the minute.

However, the redemptive winning goal just wouldn't come, meaning the Bremen side will very likely be denied the crowning glory of a strong season. Leipzig are already one of the biggest disappointments of the season, with the departure of coach Marco Rose failing to have the desired effect.