01 Dec Leipzig continue flying high

When RB Leipzig entertained Hoffenheim in January in a top-of-the-table clash, few people would have predicted that a season later both clubs would still be involved in the top half of the standings.

RB Leipzig have managed to cut Bayern Munich’s lead at the top to just three points, following their 2-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday and Bayern’s 2-1 defeat in Moenchengladbach on the same day. The team from East Germany again rank second – the same position they finished in last season.

Many people were predicting that Leipzig would struggle in their second season in the top flight, especially as they are involved in the demanding Champions League, as well as the Bundesliga.

But far from struggling with the heavy schedule, the team have continued where they left off last season – playing attractive and successful football with the likes of Timo Werner and Naby Keita showing that they are real international stars.

Their opponents on Saturday, Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are finding the going a bit tougher as they have tried to play top level football in the Bundesliga as well as in Europe after finishing fourth last season.

A defeat in Hamburg on the weekend saw them slip to seventh in the table, but still within reach of a place in Europe.

Whilst they are still looking good for a strong season, they have been blowing hot and cold, the 2-0 win against Bayern on match day three and the 3-0 defeat on the weekend against struggling Hamburg being a case in point.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann has openly been flirting with a move to Bayern Munich, as has international striker Sandro Wagner, neither of which presumably have done anything to stabilize the situation.

“I believe in making clear statements,” says Nagelsmann.

“We are in a crisis situation when it comes to results. We cannot live off what was, we need to stay in the reality. We have to do everything possible to start winning again.”

The game between Hoffenheim and Leizpig is the highlight of this week’s Bundesliga action and will be broadcast live and exclusive on StarSat channel 240 (ST Sports Focus) at 16:30 on Saturday, December 2.