Christoph Baumgartner's double ensured RB Leipzig secured a crucial 2-1 away victory over 1. FC Köln in a tightly contested Bundesliga clash.
RB Leipzig left the RheinEnergieSTADION with all three points on February 8, 2026. A brace from midfielder Christoph Baumgartner proved decisive. The visitors overcame a spirited 1. FC Köln side.
Leipzig arrived in Köln sitting fourth in the Bundesliga table. They aimed to consolidate their Champions League qualification hopes. Meanwhile, the tenth-placed Billy Goats sought to climb into the league's top half.
The match began with a competitive tempo. RB Leipzig asserted their control early, dominating possession with 55%. They looked to carve open the Köln defense.
Leipzig's pressure paid off in the 29th minute. David Raum delivered a precise assist. Christoph Baumgartner then drilled home the opening goal. This gave the visitors a deserved lead.
1. FC Köln responded with determination. They created a few half-chances before the break. However, Leipzig's defense held firm, frustrating the home side.
At halftime, Köln needed a strategic shift. They required more penetration in the final third. The hosts aimed to find a way past Leipzig's resilient backline.
The second half began with renewed intensity from Köln. Their efforts were soon rewarded. In the 51st minute, Jan Thielmann leveled the score. He guided home an assist from Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson.
The joy for the home fans was short-lived. Just five minutes later, RB Leipzig struck again. Xaver Schlager set up Baumgartner for his second goal. He calmly slotted the ball past Marvin Schwäbe in the 56th minute.
Following the quick goals, the game became scrappy. Multiple yellow cards were issued. Köln made tactical substitutions to chase an equalizer. Leipzig focused on maintaining their narrow lead.
Leipzig's defense weathered late Köln pressure. Goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi received a booking for time-wasting in injury time. This highlighted the visitors' commitment to seeing out the match.
Leipzig's attacking threat was evident with an xG of 1.92 to Köln's 1.05. The visitors registered 19 total shots, with 4 on target. Köln managed 10 shots, with 3 on target. Baumgartner earned a match-high rating of 9.6 for his impactful performance.
This 2-1 triumph allows RB Leipzig to strengthen their hold on a coveted Champions League spot. 1. FC Köln remains in the mid-table, reflecting a mixed season for the Billy Goats.
