RBL light it up against Augsburg to continue stunning home run

“We need to make that mental switch,” RBL head coach Martín Demichelis had sagely insisted ahead of the game. Following on from our fourth midweek fixture in a row, the energy-sapping 3-2 defeat to Manchester City, FC Augsburg presented a very different challenge.

Indeed, another wake-up call came almost immediately after kick-off. Just 37 seconds in, a defensive clearance from none other than captain Willi Orbán went horribly wrong – on his 400th competitive appearance for RBL, mind. Within the first minute of the Bundesliga fixture, Leipzig were already behind.

“In 400 games, I’ve never started a match as badly as I did today. But perhaps it was meant to be,” Willi explained. “After that, I quickly felt good again because we did a superb job.”

On the pitch, the RBL legend and his teammates produced the perfect response to the early setback. It was a fittingly special afternoon for the Hungary international, who received a standing ovation both when he was substituted and again at full-time.

RB Leipzig respond in style, with Brajan Gruda pulling the strings

Enjoying around 70 percent of possession, the Red Bulls gradually took control of the game and turned it around before half-time. Three goals in the space of just 12 minutes put us firmly in the driving seat, including a beauty of a free kick from David Raum.

“I really liked the way we stuck to our ethos on the pitch despite conceding so early,” Micho said, full of praise for his players.

The game plan initially placed a clear emphasis on the right flank, with Brajan Gruda well and truly in the thick of it against FCA. His mazing runs into the box repeatedly drew two or three Augsburg defenders towards him, creating space for Ezechiel Banzuzi and Christopher Nkunkuto score our first and second goals respectively. With five chances created, Brajan was the most creative player on the pitch.

The winger, who has once again been called up to the Germany squad, received praise from several quarters. “Brajan’s performance was outstanding,” said Micho. Raumi described it as a “brilliant performance“, which was duly recognised with the Man of the Match award.

“I played the way I always play. A lot of things came off for me today. I think dribbling is simply in my blood. I had so much fun out there,” Brajan reflected after his outstanding display.

Across Europe’s top five leagues, the left-footer has completed more successful dribbles per 90 minutesthan any other player (6.1), ahead of former Leipzig man Yan Diomande (4.4) and Lamine Yamal (4.3)!

RBL equal Bundesliga goalscoring record and extend home winning run

After the break, Augsburg managed to keep Brajan a little quieter, but we showcased our dynamism and versatility and continued to come up with good ideas on the ball. We struck twice from the left during a spell of pressure from the visitors.

A late Augsburg consolation to make it 5-2 did little to take the shine off a convincing home victory. With 23 goals scored in our first five home games, we have equalled Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga record from the 2023/24 season. The results are there to back it up too – we have now won ten consecutive Bundesliga home games across two seasons. “There’s no stopping us at home!” was how Willi summed it up.

The bigger picture is looking positive as well. The team’s philosophy looks clearer week after week, with their determination and passion on full display, as well as a clear hunger to score even more goals. Meanwhile, more and more players are hitting their stride. Alongside Brajan, Rômulo is another player in outstanding form. The Brazilian forward has found the net four times in his last three Bundesliga appearances.

Looking forward to the final stretch of the year

With 18 points, we remain hot on the heels of the teams above us, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both on 21 points.

Weiter geht es am 21. November mit dem Auswärtsspiel bei Union Berlin. Zuvor sind viele unserer Jungs mit ihren Nationalteams unterwegs. “Es bleibt bis Weihnachten eine intensive Zeit”, blickt Willi voraus. Drei weitere Englische Wochen warten auf uns. Wir haben Bock! Our next fixture comes on 21st November, when we travel to Union Berlin. Before then, many of our players will be away on international duty. “It’s going to be an intense period right through to Christmas,” Willi predicted. “We’ve got another three midweek fixtures coming up. We’re ready for it!”

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