On 16 December, one of the matches of the 15th round of the German football championship took place. RB Leipzig (Germany) and Hoffenheim (Germany) met.
German Championship, 15th round
RB Leipzig (Germany) - Hoffenheim ( Germany) - 4:1 (1:1)
G oals: L. K lostermann (3 4 ), Hoffenheim (Germany) - 4:1 (1:1) Goals: L. Klostermann (34), Forsberg (71), M. Simakan (74) - Ozan Kabak (42).
Warnings: Haidara (40), Ozan Kabak (62), Javi Simons (62), L. Klostermann (81), L. Klostermann (81), F. Grillitsch (90+3)
RB Leipzig won a thrilling Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim 1899 with a final score of 3-1. The match, played at the Red Bull Arena, was fiercely contested by both teams, but in the end it was Leipzig who emerged victorious. The first half started with an intense display of skill and determination from both sides. RB Leipzig took the lead in the 34th minute when Lukas Klostermann struck, giving his team a deserved lead. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Hoffenheim quickly responded with a goal of their own. O. Kabak equalised in the 42nd minute and the teams went into the break on equal terms. At half-time both managers made significant changes to their line-ups. In the 46th minute, Hoffenheim brought on R. Skov instead of F. Grillitsch, hoping to bring fresh energy into the attack. RB Leipzig also replaced A. Haidara with K. Kampl in the 58th minute. Kampl in the 58th minute, looking to further strengthen their midfield. The second half was not without events, with the referee issuing yellow cards to both teams. In the 62nd minute Kabak and X. Simons received warnings for unsportsmanlike behaviour. Soon after, RB Leipzig made a second substitution: in the 66th minute K. Baumgartner replaced E. Forsberg.
Hoffenheim responded with I. Beba replacing M. Bayer in the 69th minute, hoping to find a turning point. RB Leipzig's persistence paid off in the 71st minute when Forsberg redeemed himself with a brilliant goal to give his team a 2-1 lead. The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and in the 74th minute, M. Simakan increased their lead with a well-taken goal. Hoffenheim tried to get back on track and in the 75th minute released K. Akpoguma instead of O. Kabaka. Another substitution was also made - A. Stah replaced T. Bischof. However, Leipzig did not give up: in the 83rd minute Leipzig made three quick substitutions: L. Openda, F. Carvalho and C. Lukeba replaced B. Sesko, F. Carvalho and C. Lukeba. Sesko, F. Carvalho and K. Lukeba respectively. When victory seemed out of reach, Hoffenheim made one last substitution in the 90th minute: P. Kaderabek replaced S. N. Kaderabek. Kaderabek replaced S. Nsoki. Yellow cards continued to be handed out for the rest of the game, with Grillitsch receiving one for Hoffenheim in the 90th minute. Despite their best efforts, Hoffenheim were unable to reduce the lead and RB Leipzig took a deserved victory. The match showed the determination and skill of both sides, but it was RB Leipzig who came out victorious, picking up three valuable points in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheim can take solace in their fighting spirit, but in the end it was Leipzig's clinical play that was the deciding factor.
The following matches await the rivals in the next round: Werder - RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim - Darmstadt.
| RB Leipzig | Hoffenheim | |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Kicks to the goal | 4 |
| 22 | Kicks | 9 |
| 5 | Blocked shots | 2 |
| 16 | Penalty kicks | 8 |
| 6 | Kicks from outside the penalty box | 1 |
| 11 | Offences | 9 |
| 9 | Corner | 2 |
| 1 | Offsides | 0 |
| 57% | Ball possession | 43% |
| 3 | Yellow cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red cards | 1 |
| 3 | Keeper saves | 7 |
| 505 | Total assists | 375 |
| 438 | Accurate assists | 314 |
| 87% | Accuracy of passes | 84% |