Bundesliga: Sesko hits and flies: Stuttgart wins against Leipzig

Thanks to a strong second half, runner-up VfB Stuttgart also won the second game of the new year and moved close to the Champions League places. The Swabians won 2-1 (0-1) against RB Leipzig at the end of the first half of the Bundesliga and are now only one point behind fourth-placed Saxony, who lost two strikers due to sending off in the final phase.

The Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko also scored in the fifth league game in a row and gave RB the lead in the 10th minute. Winter purchase Jacob Bruun Larsen (50th) and Nick Woltemade (60th) turned the game in front of 57,500 spectators with their goals in VfB’s favor. Shortly before the end, Leipzig’s Sesko (85th) and Loïs Openda (88th) each saw yellow-red.

Contested and hectic first half

In an intense and hectic first half, both teams almost wore themselves out in duels at times. Stuttgart’s national striker Deniz Undav, who returned to the starting line-up, picked up a yellow card after just five minutes for a foul. Sesko was also booked for a violent tackle on Angelo Stiller in midfield (20th).

The VfB strategist was able to continue playing, but was visibly upset and swore at the linesman. There were loud whistles from the audience at the break for the quite demanding referee Sascha Stegemann.

Openda only hits the post

The hosts had more possession of the ball. However, they lacked precision offensively before the break – and were careless at the back. A loss of the ball by VfB shortly before their own penalty area also led to Leipzig’s early lead. Xavi Simons fed Sesko – and he beat Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel with a central but powerful shot to make it 0-1.

After almost 20 minutes, Openda almost increased for RB, but only hit the left post after the Saxons won the ball again. The Belgian could also have crossed the ball; Ridle Baku, who came from VfL Wolfsburg during the winter break, was also running on the right side.

Unlucky with Stuttgart’s leadership

VfB got off to a better start in the second half. Undav crossed from the right into the center of the penalty area, and Bruun Larsen, who had signed from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim just a week earlier, scored the equalizer with a header.

The goal visibly inspired the Swabians. Undav in particular now turned up the heat – and was also involved in VfB’s second goal. Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi initially parried a shot from the attacker from close range. Defender David Raum then shot at Woltemade during his attempt to clear the ball. The ball flew into the net and the game was over.

RB, which won 4-2 against Werder Bremen on Sunday, was still fighting for at least one point. But VfB only allowed a little – and secured their next victory three days after the 1-0 win at FC Augsburg.

Sesko fouled Stiller again in the final phase and had to leave the field – just like Openda did a few minutes later after a push against Jamie Leweling.