RB Leipzig secured a vital 2-1 Bundesliga away win against Werder Bremen. First-half goals from Antonio Nusa and Romulo Cardoso proved decisive.
RB Leipzig secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday. Early goals from Antonio Nusa and Romulo Cardoso sealed all three points. Werder Bremen's late consolation goal by Salim Musah proved too little, too late.
This Bundesliga clash saw fourth-placed Leipzig push for a Champions League spot. Werder Bremen, sitting 14th, aimed to create distance from the relegation zone. Both teams had strong motivations for a win.
Leipzig started brightly, asserting their attacking intent early on. Their dominance paid off in the 15th minute. Talented forward Antonio Nusa drilled a low shot past Werder's goalkeeper. Nusa's goal gave Leipzig the crucial early lead.
Werder Bremen sought an immediate response, pushing for an equalizer. They tried to create chances down the flanks. However, Leipzig's defense held firm. The visitors maintained their narrow advantage as the half progressed.
The first half concluded with RB Leipzig holding a 1-0 lead. Werder Bremen needed a stronger attacking display after the break. Head coach Ole Werner surely demanded more urgency from his side.
The second half began with RB Leipzig quickly doubling their advantage. In the 52nd minute, Romulo Cardoso slotted home from close range. This goal put the visitors in a commanding 2-0 position. Werder Bremen faced an uphill battle at home.
Werder Bremen refused to surrender, introducing fresh legs to inject urgency. Amos Pieper and other substitutes entered the fray. They showed renewed attacking ambition. Cameron Puertas received a yellow card for the home side in the 73rd minute.
As the match wound down, Werder pushed hard for a goal. Their persistence eventually paid off deep into stoppage time. Substitute Salim Musah fired a powerful strike into the net in the 90+4th minute. The goal cut the deficit, but time ran out.
Leipzig, despite less possession (45%), was clinical, converting two of their seven total shots. Their xG was 1.49. Werder Bremen showed more attacking volume, with 55% possession and 13 total shots, but their xG of 1.34 reflected missed opportunities. Goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt made four saves for Leipzig.
This crucial away win solidifies RB Leipzig's grip on fourth place in the Bundesliga standings. They strengthen their pursuit of Champions League football. Werder Bremen remains in 14th, needing to find consistency in their remaining fixtures.
