RB Leipzig secured a 3-1 victory over 1. FC Köln in a compelling Bundesliga match held at the Red Bull Arena. Leipzig started the game with attacking intent, creating early opportunities that culminated in a goal in the 13th minute. Youngster Ouedraogo initially saw his effort saved by Köln goalkeeper Schwäbe, but he reacted swiftly to slot the rebound into the net.
Köln responded swiftly, with Thielmann leveling the score in the 23rd minute. A well-placed pass from Martel set up the attacker, who fired a shot past Leipzig’s Gulacsi from a tight angle.
Leipzig maintained greater control of the match, although Köln presented a consistent threat on the counter-attack. In the 44th minute, a strong Leipzig attack resulted in another goal; Schwäbe managed a save from Baumgartner, but was unable to prevent Romulo from firing home the rebound. Raum then extended Leipzig’s lead further in added time at the end of the first half, curling a free-kick expertly into the right corner.
The second half saw Leipzig continue to press forward. Romulo saw another effort saved by Schwäbe following a Raum free-kick and Orban narrowly missed a rebound opportunity. Köln had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 60th minute, but substitute Ache shot wide from close range.
Despite some continued attacking efforts from both sides, neither team added to the scoreline. Leipzig ultimately claimed a deserved three points, moving up to second place in the league standings. Köln, meanwhile, drops to fourth position.