Bundesliga
Axel Witsel Stunner Helps Dortmund Defeat Leipzig
A brilliant volley from Axel Witsel helped Borussia Dortmund maintain their six point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga, as they defeated Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena.
Dortmund were the better side in the first half and deservedly took the lead after 19 minutes.
A corner swung in was flicked on by Lukasz Piszczek and fell kindly into the path of Witsel. The Belgian then brilliantly hit a first time volley, which saw the ball fly into the net.
Leipzig had their chances in the second half after a toothless first half display. However, they couldn’t force an equalizer as they suffered their first home league defeat of the season.
Stunning Strike From Witsel
Leipzig got off to a bright start and were on the front foot in the opening minutes.
However, Dortmund gradually started to control possession and nearly opened the scoring in 12 minutes.
Jadon Sancho played the ball out wide to Lukasz Piszczek who then played a great ball into the box. It almost fell kindly for Dortmund striker Maximilian Philipp but Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate managed to nip in and clear it behind for a corner.
Seven minutes later, Dortmund were in front. A corner swung in by Raphael Guerreiro was flicked on by Piszczek, the ball fell to Axel Witsel who fired a brilliant volley into the roof of the net.
Dortmund were beginning to control the game, while Leipzig was struggling to create any clear cut chances.
Five minutes before half time, Dortmund spurned a great chance to double their lead.
A brilliant curling free kick from Guerreiro found Abdou Diallo unmarked inside the penalty area. The defender should have scored but his header went way wide.
Better From Leipzig
Leipzig started the second half much brighter and were almost level just two minutes after half time.
Diego Demme drove forward into the penalty box and cut the ball back to midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. The Austrian looked miles offside but the flag stayed down. However, he was denied from close range by Roman Burki in the Dortmund goal.
On 53 minutes, Dortmund should have pulled further clear. Mario Gotze played a through ball to set Max Phillip in on goal.
The German striker should score but his shot was easily saved by Peter Gulacsi in the Leipzig goal.
With just 15 minutes left, Leipzig had a great chance to equalize. A great cross by Timo Werner found Marcel Sabitzer unmarked inside the penalty box.
The Austrian should have scored but hit his shot straight at Burki in the Dortmund goal.
Leipzig were beginning to exert some pressure and moments later Timo Werner hit a fierce shot from inside the box, which was well saved by Burki.
Dortmund substitute Paco Alcacer almost sealed all three points but he hit the bar late on from just inside the box.
In stoppage time Leipzig came within inches of snatching a point.
A cross from Yussuf Poulsen found Mattheus Cunha inside the penalty area. Cunha’s free header looked to be heading into the net, but agonizingly for him and Leipzig it went just wide.
Dortmund held on for a crucial win to maintain their gap at the top of the Bundesliga.
Dortmund Handle The Pressure
This was a huge game to start the second half of the Bundesliga season for Borussia Dortmund.
After their title rivals Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach both won prior to Dortmund’s match, the pressure was on Lucien Favre’s side to deliver.
To start the second half of the league season, Dortmund arguably couldn’t have picked a tougher fixture, considering Leipzig hadn’t lost at home in the Bundesliga this season.
However, they handled the pressure well and were by far the better side in the first half.
It was a stunning goal from Witsel on the volley, which gave them the lead that they deserved.
They had their chances to put the game away but failed to take them. Yes, they did have some nervy moments in the second half, as Leipzig improved.
Considering how young a side Dortmund are, they showed great maturity to see the game out.
This is another big test passed for Dortmund and further emphasizes their title chances.
To now until the end of the season, there will be a number of occasions were Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach will play before them and pile pressure on Dortmund.
Today, Lucien Favre’s side showed they have the mentality and bottle needed for a title run in.
Leipzig Lacking Cutting Edge
Leipzig manager Ralf Rangnick will be bitterly disappointed with his sides first half display.
They were lifeless and failed to create any clear cut chances.
Rangnick’s team talk did the trick in the second half and Leipzig were miles better.
However, they wasted some good chances in particular substitute Mattheus Cunha who’s header in the last minute went just wide.
Leipzig will be hoping that star midfielder Emil Forsberg returns to full fitness soon as they missed his creative spark in particularly in the first half.
Ralf Rangnick will also be disappointed that their proud unbeaten home league record is now over.
They are still very much in the running for a Champions League spot and do have the quality to be able to finish in the top four.
Next up for Leipzig is Fortuna Dusseldorf away next Sunday. Meanwhile Dortmund play Hanover at home on Saturday.
Photo credit to BlackandYellow via Twitter
