At first glance, the roles ahead of the Bundesliga top match on Saturday evening are clear. FC Bayern travel to Leipzig with a broad chest, equipped with a historic first half of the season, 47 points and an attacking power that is second to none. And yet it is clear that RB Leipzig will not simply resign themselves to the role of favourites. The 6-0 debacle from the first leg is present – but no longer a paralysing burden
Leipzig captain David Raum made it very clear that the second leg would not be comparable to the performance in August. „We are a completely different team, and not just in terms of personnel,“ explained the international, referring to the development of recent months. Leipzig are more mature, more courageous and clearer in their processes – both against and with the ball. The home advantage also plays a role for Raum. „The game has different omens,“ is his message
In fact, a lot has changed at RB since the clear defeat. Young players like Yan Diomande have taken the next step, leading players like Christoph Baumgartner are shaping the game much more consistently. The team looks more stable, more structured – and above all more self-confident. Leipzig has benefited from the fact that personnel unrest caused by prominent departures is now a thing of the past
Bayern remain the benchmark – even for Leipzig
Despite all the confidence, respect for the record champions remains high. Defence coach Willi Orban puts it in a nutshell: „Of course, you want to show that you can do better than in the first leg. But it’s a new game, it’s starting from scratch,“ said the 33-year-old. Leipzig want to give it their all, but are also aware of the quality of their opponents. A challenge with a realistic undertone. Anyone looking for a suitable betting provider for the match will certainly find one at Metaspins
RB have almost a full complement of players for the clash. Coach Ole Werner is spoilt for choice, with the recently recovered Antonio Nusa also putting in a strong performance. Werner himself clearly formulates his expectations without questioning the role of favourites. Leipzig want to showcase their soccer and prove „that we have developed and are further ahead than we were six months ago“
Kompany warns of mature opponent
Vincent Kompany also takes a differentiated view of the reunion. He does not see the 6-0 win in the first leg as a blueprint. „Leipzig have a young team, so it can happen that not everything goes perfectly in the first game,“ explained the Bayern coach at the pre-match press conference. The decisive factor was the development afterwards. Leipzig were in the game for a long time, won many games and many players improved a lot
Kompany expects an intense, open top match. „This is a strong attacking team, both teams can score goals. It will be very interesting,“ said the Belgian. Despite the clear constellation in the table and Bayern’s impressive run, there is no sign of complacency at the record champions
Bayern favorites – but not a sure-fire success
FC Bayern go into the clash as clear favourites, but Leipzig have the feeling that they are no longer without a chance. It is precisely this constellation that makes the top match so appealing. Munich want to confirm their dominance, Leipzig want to prove that the 0:6 is a thing of the past
Whether it’s revenge or a show of strength – one thing is certain: both teams are going into this game with conviction, and that’s exactly what promises an evening that lives up to the billing of a top Bundesliga match.