Second-half surge sees Leipzig see off Freiburg

RED BULL ARENA, LEIPZIG (Bulinews): After having their game against FC St. Pauli postponed at the weekend due to adverse weather conditions, RB Leipzig returned to action on Wednesday night, as they welcomed SC Freiburg to Red Bull Arena in the Bundesliga.

In a first half short on clear-cut chances, it was the visitors who had the first effort on target, whenMaximilian Eggestein headed towards goal in the 20th minute. Yuito Suzuki delivered a precise free-kick cross to find the midfielder unmarked, but Eggestein could only steer his header straight into the hands of Peter Gulacsi.

The home supporters had to wait until the 30th minute to see Leipzig register their first attempt on goal. Nicolas Seiwald exchanged a neat one-two with Romulo before firing a shot that Noah Atubolu pushed away.

The two sides went into the break level, but Leipzig quickly changed the scoreline after the break. Eight minutes into the second half, the hosts won a free-kick just outside the area on the left, and David Raum delivered a pinpoint cross for Willi Orban to head home and put Leipzig ahead.

Leipzig pushed for a second immediately and went close soon after, as Tidiam Gomis took a neat touch inside the area before unleashing a shot that Atubolu pushed out for a corner. From the resulting delivery, Atubolu kept out an initial effort from Christoph Baumgartner, but Romulo reacted quickest to turn in the rebound and make it 2-0.

Leipzig could have extended their lead further, as both Christoph Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa struck the post, but the score remained 2-0, with the hosts comfortably dominating possession until the final whistle.

The win moves Ole Werner's troops past VfB Stuttgart into third place in the Bundesliga. Freiburg, who still haven't ever won at the Red Bull Arena, sit eighth.