VfL Bochum is allowed to play in the “top game” for the first time in its Bundesliga history. Against RB Leipzig, the first point should finally be won.
Although the VfL Bochum and RB Leipzig A league separated for five years now, the last meeting so far was only a few months ago. At the beginning of February 2021, the then second division team traveled from the Ruhr area to the trade fair city to compete against the Leipzigers in the DFB Cup quarter-finals, which were admittedly unequal. Ultimately, the duel was clearly lost 4-0 after goals from Amadou Haidara (10th), Marcel Sabitzer (45th) and Yussuf Poulsen (66th, 75th). But now VfL has the chance to take revenge.
RB Leipzig: First stuttering, then liberation
On Saturday (October 2nd, 6:30 p.m.) the Bochum team will go back to Leipzig. Just two weeks ago, some would have said that the newcomer in Leipzig could have a realistic chance of taking something away. After all, the start of the season for the Saxons was anything but optimal. At the corona-torn 1. FSV Mainz 05 there was a deserved 0-1 defeat, also in the first top game against VfL Wolfsburg. The subsequent 1-1 draw against 1. FC Köln also did not meet their own Champions League claims.
But RB Leipzig landed the break last weekend. There was a 6-0 win against Hertha BSC, with Christopher Nkunku standing out with three direct goals. The former Parisian is part of an offensive that is theoretically one of the best in the league. But so far Emil Forsberg, Dominik Szoboszlai, André Silva and Co have only played against Hertha BSC and VfB Stuttgart (4-0).
The Red Bulls get into trouble when their opponents press aggressively. This is how 1. FC Köln practiced it and brought RB to the brink of defeat. VfL Bochum also played an aggressive style of play against VfB Stuttgart and played to zero for the second time this season. Thomas Reis will have to replace defensive chief Maxim Leitsch again. It is quite possible that Erhan Masovic will get his chance again. The 22-year-old has already played through against VfB. Danny Blum also got competitive game minutes for the first time this season and is also eager to play against RB Leipzig again.
Historically, VfL has never won anything against RB. Both teams have met five times so far, five times Bochum has lost out. With a win, VfL would draw level with RB Leipzig in the table on points.
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