Hattrick-Rashford shoots at RB: Leipzig falls completely against Man United

Wednesday 28 October 2020

Julian Nagelsmann and RB Leipzig take a lesson against Manchester United: after a passable first half nothing happens in the second round and Marcus Rashford shoots the Saxons almost alone.

Bundesliga leader RB Leipzig experienced a rude awakening to Marcus Rashford’s gala appearance at the “Theater of Dreams”. The previous season’s semi-finalist lost her second match of the Champions League round to English record champions Manchester United with 0: 5 (0: 1) and suffered her first defeat of the season after an overall poor performance. “Coming home with a 5-0 win is a package. We paid for the hard work and we have to learn from that,” coach Julian Nagelsmann told Dazn.

“It’s hard to find words when you lost 5-0,” said Emil Forsberg, who went straight to the analysis after his biggest away defeat in the Premier League: “We got in well, the match with the ball was the first. Good first half, but we have to find better solutions in the last third, we didn’t even put enough pressure on their defense in the pits.

Mason Greenwood (21st), substitute Rashford (74th / 78th / 90th + 2nd) and Anthony Martial (87th) scored a penalty in front of empty stands at Old Trafford for a well-deserved victory for Manchester, who group H with six Points. Leipzig won last week against Turkish champions Basaksehir Istanbul (2-0) and are now level on points with third-placed Paris St. Germain. “Theater of Dreams – the name says it all” – with the same reverence with which coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke of the traditional English club and the context before the match, his team were initially prone to errors on the pitch.

The VAR intervenes several times

Leipzig defended with aggressive pressure in the first minutes and interrupted United’s preparation for the game in the opposing half. With great individual class, the Red Devils freed themselves over and over from pressure situations, in addition, Leipzig invited the English with ball possession with frivolous ugly passes to dangerous exchange actions. Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi had to intervene early when Brazilian Fred (6th) fired.

Leipzig missed the familiar Bundesliga offensive strength. The creative players around Emil Forsberg could barely make it into the headquarters and full-back forwards Angelino and Benjamin Henrichs did not develop. Fast and passable RB football was instead shown by Manchester, who often found playful solutions in difficult situations and rewarded themselves with the advantage.

World Champion Paul Pogba pushed himself into free space after a ball win and sent Greenwood, which he easily completed. The video referee clarified the suspicion of being offside after a review. Residual doubts remained about the decision.

Nagelsmann changes in an offensive way

RB came to a dangerous conclusion shortly after conceding a goal from Christopher Nkunku (24th). Until half-time, Manchester goalkeeper David de Gea was no longer seriously examined. Leipzig have more ball possession, but have done too little. Standards were also no threat.

Leipzig got out of the cabin slightly better. The Bundesliga club played its strengths better, acted with more speed and direct passing play, the defense around defensive boss Dayot Upamecano took better direct duels. Scoring chances and playful highlights were still rare on both sides. Manchester and Leipzig neutralize each other in a fighting match in midfield.

Nagelsmann reacted and made his team more tactically offensive, replacing captain Marcel Sabitzer among others – and should have cheered almost immediately. After a set piece Ibrahima Konate headed in front of de Gea. The Spaniard reacted brilliantly (65th). On the other hand, Gulacsi (70th) initially blocked hard but then fell behind three times against Rashford. “We showed a great team performance. We moved very well even without the ball, today all the guys on the bench were there,” said the three-time scorer after the match.