RB Leipzig ease past SC Verl in convincing pre-season victory

Goals from Lukas Klostermann, Ridle Baku, Ezechiel Banzuzi and Conrad Harder fired RB Leipzig to a convincing 4-0 victory over SC Verl in Martin Demichelis’ fourth pre-season friendly in charge.

Played over two 60-minute halves, the opening hour saw Benjamin Henrichs captain a side featuring new signing Maxim Esteve, striker Rômulo and 17-year-old Samba Konate. Klostermann’s first-half strike proved the only goal of the opening period, giving Leipzig a narrow 1-0 advantage at the interval.

Demichelis changed his entire outfield after the break, with Nicolas Seiwald taking over the captain’s armband. Ridle Baku, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Conrad Harder, Brian Gruda and returning loanee Lutsharel Geertruida were among those introduced for the second hour.

Leipzig stepped up another gear after the restart, with goals from Baku, Banzuzi and Harder putting the result beyond doubt as Die Roten Bullen wrapped up an emphatic 4-0 victory.

RB Leipzig now have two pre-season fixtures remaining before the competitive campaign begins. They face Premier League side Leeds United before rounding off their preparations with a high-profile friendly against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on 15 August.