October 23, 2016, Round 8 of the Bundesliga.
VfL Wolfsburg played at home against RB Leipzig.
Before the match, the moment RB Leipzig’s matchday squad was released, many fans who liked Rolin immediately cheered with joy.
“Awesome!
He just got promoted to the first team and already made the squad.
His future is limitless!” “What a coincidence!
Rolin just played against Wolfsburg in the youth League, and now he meets them again in the Bundesliga.
It’s fate!” “He only made the squad list.
Whether he can play is still hard to say.
The competition in RB Leipzig’s midfield and attack is too fierce—Forsberg, Sabitzer, Kaiser, Naby Keïta…
It’s going to be really hard for him to get playing time.” “According to inside sources, Rolin performed very well in team training, so there’s a chance.” “I still hope he gets to play.” — The broadcast cameras panned across the stadium as the pre-match coverage began.
“Dear viewers, welcome to Round 8 of the 2016-17 Bundesliga season, featuring VfL Wolfsburg at home against RB Leipzig.
I am commentator James Richardson, and beside me is our analyst, former Bundesliga player Thomas Helmer.” “Good evening, viewers.
I am Thomas Helmer.” “The newly promoted RB Leipzig has great momentum this season.
After 7 rounds of the League, they remain undefeated with 4 wins and 3 draws, currently ranking third in the League;” “On the other hand, VfL Wolfsburg, as a veteran powerhouse, has performed unsatisfactorily this season, securing only 1 win, 3 draws, and 3 losses, placing them just one step away from the relegation zone.” “Thomas, what are your thoughts on this match?” “VfL Wolfsburg’s performance this season is indeed subpar.
The main problem lies in their offense, having scored only 4 goals in 7 matches, which shows how weak their attack is.” “Ever since De Bruyne, Perišić, and Schürrle left one after another, Wolfsburg’s offensive system collapsed.” “In terms of paper strength, RB Leipzig is clearly stronger.” “At the same time, I’m also quite interested in the performance of the young player Rolin Bachmann.
It remains to be seen whether he can get an opportunity to play.” “Yes, I believe many fans, like Thomas, are following Rolin Bachmann’s performance closely.
Let us wait and see.” “Players from both teams have taken the pitch.” “VfL Wolfsburg is lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.” “Goalkeeper: Koen Casteels.” “Left-back: Ricardo Rodríguez; left center-back: Robin Knoche; right center-back: Jeffrey Bruma; right-back: Christian Träsch.” “Double defensive midfielders: Luiz Gustavo and Paul Seguin.” “Attacking midfielder: Maximilian Arnold; right midfielder: Vieirinha; left midfielder: Julian Draxler.” “Center forward: Mario Gómez.” Helmer then proceeded to introduce RB Leipzig’s starting lineup.
“RB Leipzig is lining up in a 4-2-2-2 formation.” “Goalkeeper: Péter Gulácsi.” “Left-back: Marcel Halstenberg; left center-back: Marvin Compper; right center-back: Willi Orban; right-back: Benno Schmitz.” “Double defensive midfielders: Naby Keïta and Kevin Demme.” “Left attacking midfielder: Emil Forsberg; right attacking midfielder: Marcel Sabitzer.” “Double strikers: Timo Werner and Yussuf Poulsen.” Just as both teams were waiting for kickoff, the broadcast camera panned across RB Leipzig’s bench, giving Rolin Bachmann a close-up shot.
Rolin on the bench was completely unaware of this, biting his nails in a daze.
His mood at this moment was somewhat complex; he hoped the team would win, but also hoped he could get on the pitch.
However, he knew very well in his heart that if the match remained tight and intense, he definitely wouldn’t get to play.
Only if the team had the win completely sealed would he get a chance to play.
He prayed in his heart, ‘Werner must step up and score a couple more!’ Tweet!
With the referee’s whistle, the match officially began.
VfL Wolfsburg kicked off first, and Leipzig pressed forward as a whole, launching a high press in the opposition half.
This was Leipzig’s tactical style: putting pressure on the opponent’s backline to force rushed passes and mistakes.
This move was very effective against most Bundesliga teams.
After all, most teams and players in the Bundesliga were not known for possession play.
Moreover, Leipzig’s high press was continuous, giving the opposition no room to breathe.
Sure enough, in the 5th minute of the match, Seguin made a passing error under pressure from Marcel Sabitzer.
Naby Keïta intercepted the ball in midfield and then advanced rapidly with possession.
Timo Werner suddenly burst forward on the left flank, and Naby Keïta delivered an overhead pass.
Wolfsburg’s left-back Christian Träsch gave chase quickly.
But Timo Werner was like a runaway horse; Christian Träsch couldn’t catch up to him at all.
Yussuf Poulsen and Emil Forsberg pinned down the opposition’s center-backs, preventing them from recklessly stepping up to cover Timo Werner.
At the same time, Marcel Sabitzer sprinted forward at high speed on the right wing.
Timo Werner glanced at his teammates’ positions and decisively delivered a cross.
Yussuf Poulsen drew the attention of two defenders all by himself, leaving Marcel Sabitzer unmarked at the far post.
Luiz Gustavo sprinted back, but he was still a step too slow.
Marcel Sabitzer leaped high and headed the ball into the top right corner of the goal.
Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels reacted quickly, but still failed to save it.
1-0!
After scoring, Marcel Sabitzer waved his arms excitedly.
Yussuf Poulsen and Timo Werner swarmed him, and the three of them collapsed to the ground, celebrating passionately.
Ralph Hasenhüttl remained calm, merely clapping symbolically.
In his view, against a weaker VfL Wolfsburg, anything short of victory would be a failure.
In stark contrast to him, Rolin and Selke jumped up from the bench, even more thrilled than Marcel Sabitzer who scored the goal.
Ralph Hasenhüttl naturally knew what was on their minds.
Even if the two of them could get on, it would have to wait until the second half.
As a former Bundesliga champion, how could Wolfsburg tolerate this newly promoted side running wild on their home turf?
They immediately launched a counteroffensive.
However, they seemed to forget that this newly promoted team was currently undefeated, with strength certainly no weaker than Bayern or Dortmund.
Wolfsburg attacked fiercely for twenty minutes, but not only failed to score, they were repeatedly caught on the counter by RB Leipzig.
If not for RB Leipzig’s poor luck, with Timo Werner’s shot hitting the post, they would have already been trailing 0-2.
“VfL Wolfsburg’s attack has no structure whatsoever, without a single truly threatening attempt.
In contrast, RB Leipzig’s counterattacks are full of life and vigor.” “That’s right.
Furthermore, VfL Wolfsburg’s midfield and defense are somewhat disconnected now, and the players are not on the same page.” “If things continue developing like this, conceding a goal is only a matter of time.” Just as Helmer finished speaking, Maximilian Arnold lost possession in the attacking third, and RB Leipzig initiated another counterattack.
Naby Keïta sent a highly penetrating through ball, slicing right through Wolfsburg’s midfield.
Emil Forsberg received the ball, advanced rapidly, and played a wall pass with Timo Werner at the edge of the penalty box.
“A wonderful one-two pass!
Emil Forsberg is through—what choice will he make?” “The goalkeeper is coming out!” “Emil Forsberg takes a shot from a tight angle!” “The ball bounces off the goalkeeper’s leg, but there’s still a chance!” “Timo Werner arrives in full stride and fires a powerful shot directly!” “It’s in!” “2-0!
RB Leipzig’s counterattack was superb, practically textbook level.” “This is exactly what Thomas Helmer was worried about earlier.
VfL Wolfsburg paid a heavy price for their reckless advance!”