Three goals and 11 shots on target: Leipzig open with a 3-0 win

Leipzig’s attack settles the opener

RB Leipzig began their Bundesliga regular season with a 3-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday. Leipzig led 1-0 at half-time and added two more goals after the break to secure a convincing result in the opening round.

Ridle Baku opened the scoring in the 25th minute, finishing a move created by Tidiam Gomis. The goal gave Leipzig the advantage during a first half in which both sides had opportunities, but the hosts carried their lead into the interval.

Leipzig extended their advantage only four minutes after half-time. Antonio Nusa scored in the 49th minute, again with Gomis providing the assist. Nusa was one of the central figures in the match, recording three shots on target and two key passes in addition to his goal.

Reitz adds a third after the changes

The decisive third goal arrived in the 66th minute. Rocco Reitz found the net after Christopher Nkunku supplied the assist, giving Leipzig a three-goal cushion. Nkunku had entered for Gomis in the 64th minute, while Borussia Mönchengladbach also made four substitutions during that period, bringing on Isac Lidberg, Franck Honorat, Mathieu Nguefack and David Herold.

Leipzig made another change in the second half, with Johan Bakayoko replacing Brajan Gruda in the 73rd minute. Nusa was booked in the 72nd minute, the only yellow card recorded in the match. Neither team received a red card.

Possession favours Gladbach, but Leipzig lead the numbers that mattered

Borussia Mönchengladbach had 53% possession and completed 411 accurate passes from 477 total, compared with Leipzig’s 47% possession and 360 accurate passes from 430. However, Leipzig were considerably more direct and productive in front of goal: they registered 25 total shots to Gladbach’s 15 and put 11 on target compared with five.

The hosts also held an edge in shots inside the box, 18-9, while Gladbach had five blocked shots to Leipzig’s four. The visitors’ possession therefore did not translate into the same attacking threat. Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt made four saves, while Borussia Mönchengladbach’s goalkeeper made eight.

Strong start for Leipzig in the table

Rocco Reitz and Antonio Nusa shared the highest match rating at 8.2, but Nusa stands out for combining his goal with three shots on target, two key passes and three tackles. Baku also contributed a goal before leaving in the 73rd minute. Leipzig are listed third after the opening round, while Borussia Mönchengladbach are listed 11th. No recent form data was available for either side before the match.