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Two returnees get RB Leipzig back on track

Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi saves here against Union's Yorbe Vertessen, on the right Leipzig's Lukas Klostermann / Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa
Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi saves here against Union's Yorbe Vertessen, on the right Leipzig's Lukas Klostermann / Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa

The venture was risky. But Leipzig coach Marco Rose is relying on new impetus in the midst of the sporting crisis. Two experienced players deliver immediately despite a long break.

With more experience, RB Leipzig's stability has also returned. Veterans Peter Gulacsi (33) and captain Willi Orban (31), who made their starting XI comebacks after long injury lay-offs, guaranteed the first clean sheet since October 2023. In addition, Kevin Kampl (33) completed Leipzig's over-30s axis in the redemptive 2-0 win over Union Berlin. It was the first three points in 2024 and the first in four games.

"The manner in which we achieved it was also what we had planned and wished for, even if we know that it cannot be taken for granted after the last few weeks," said coach Marco Rose, who simply wanted to provide "new impetus" in Leipzig's results crisis. And his team found a "good balance with the calmness from behind. We radiated something, we were ready, but we didn't get carried away. That's good for the stadium and the stadium is good for us," said the 47-year-old.

And the experienced players gave the young players support in attack. "It's important that our two young guys up front are in good form and scoring," said Rose, praising the two goalscorers Lois Openda (11th minute) and Benjamin Sesko (48th).

"It wasn't an easy phase for us after the start of the new year, but we were always aware of what we were capable of and we also knew what we had to do against this unpleasant opponent Union," said Orban, who was particularly pleased for his Hungarian national team colleague Gulacsi "that he was able to make his comeback and play to nil". The former captain emphasized that his teammates had made it easy for him. "It was a very mature performance from the whole team, we conceded very little, played dominantly and deserved to take three points."

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