Before the match, on a German football talk show…
Host: “Welcome back to Kickoff!
Today we’re discussing RB Leipzig’s remarkable season and their young star Rolin Bachmann.
Our panel today includes former Bundesliga player and pundit Dietmar Hamann, and football journalist Kerstin Riedel.” Hamann: “Thanks for having me.
RB Leipzig have been the story of the season so far.
Unbeaten after seven rounds, playing attractive, high-intensity football.
And now they’ve promoted this 18-year-old from their academy.” Riedel: “Rolin Bachmann has been exceptional in the U19 League.
10 goals and 7 assists in 7 matches is phenomenal.
But the jump from youth football to the Bundesliga is massive.
I’m curious to see if Hasenhüttl gives him minutes today.” Hamann: “I’ve watched some of his youth matches.
The kid has composure beyond his years.
His passing range, his work rate, his two-footedness — these are traits that can translate to senior football.
The question is whether he can handle the physical intensity.” Host: “So you think he could make an impact today?” Hamann: “If Leipzig are in control by the 70th minute, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get 15-20 minutes.
It would be a good way to ease him into Bundesliga football.” Riedel: “The fans in Leipzig are buzzing about him.
They call him the ‘Son of Leipzig’ because he’s a local lad.
That’s a lot of pressure for an 18-year-old.” Hamann: “Pressure is part of the game.
If he’s as good as the numbers suggest, he’ll handle it.” — The first half quickly came to an end, with RB Leipzig entering halftime holding a two-goal lead.
Inside the RB Leipzig dressing room.
Rolin put his arm around Werner’s neck and said fiercely: “Do you know you made a mistake?
Captain Teemo!” A line of black sweat dropped on Werner’s forehead.
What on earth is this?
What mistake did I make, and what the hell is Captain Teemo?!
Before Werner could speak, Rolin continued: “Why did your shot hit the post in the first half?
Did you slack off during training?
Do you know that if that goal went in, I would be able to play in the second half?
Now do you know what mistake you made?” Selke also ambled over, his eyes staring intently at Werner.
It wasn’t until Ralph Hasenhüttl clapped his hands that Werner managed to wriggle out from Rolin’s clutches.
“Dominik, Davie, Stefan, you three go warm up.” Ralph Hasenhüttl called out several names.
“And Rolin, you go with them too.” To Rolin, those words sounded like music to his ears!
“Got it, Coach!” Rolin stood up immediately.
Werner winked at him, and Naby Keïta walked over to give him a high five.
Under Kaiser’s lead, the players headed to the sidelines to start warming up.
The pitchside broadcast director also noticed this and directed the camera toward those warming up on the sideline.
“Alright, welcome back.
In the first half, RB Leipzig took a 2-0 lead, holding a dominant advantage on the pitch.” “We can see that VfL Wolfsburg made two substitutions right out of the gate.
It seems their head coach made new tactical adjustments during halftime.” “At the same time, players on RB Leipzig’s bench are warming up, including Rolin Bachmann, whom everyone is paying close attention to.
Hopefully, we will see him come on as a substitute in the second half.” In RB Leipzig, inside Rolin’s home, Lucas waved his arms excitedly: “Honey, our son is warming up!
He has a chance to play in the second half.
He’s really about to play in the Bundesliga!
That’s awesome!” “Don’t get ahead of yourself.
If our son doesn’t get to play, won’t you be disappointed for nothing?” His mother smiled and said, “I’ll go prepare some beer and snacks first.
Once our son gets on the pitch, I’ll bring them over.” Lucas shrugged: “Darling, why not bring them over now?” His mother rolled her eyes at him and said testily: “If our son doesn’t get to play, what is there to celebrate!” — With the blow of a whistle, the second half began.
Although Wolfsburg made two substitutions in quick succession, they still couldn’t resolve their sluggish attacking performance.
Ever since De Bruyne left, Wolfsburg’s attack relied heavily on both wings, with the left wing occupied by Draxler being their primary origin of attack.
However, this German international was dead set on transferring and had no heart for the game at all.
Rodriguez was a top-tier Bundesliga full-back whose attacking support capabilities were second to none.
But against a RB Leipzig side known for lightning-fast counterattacks and fierce physical pressure, he didn’t dare push up too far.
Without wing breakthroughs and crosses, Wolfsburg’s entire offensive system fell apart.
RB Leipzig firmly controlled the momentum of the game.
In the 60th minute of the match.
RB Leipzig initiated another attack down the left flank.
Werner relied on his individual skill to beat two players in a row before sending in a cross.
Poulsen, rushing toward the near post, was a step too slow, and the opposing defender missed it as well, allowing the ball to roll straight to the far post.
Marcel Sabitzer quickly caught up to the ball, faking a shot and cutting inside to fool the defender.
By then, he had lost his shooting angle, but out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Naby Keïta making a late run into the box.
Sabitzer decisively tapped the ball across, and Naby Keïta unleashed a thunderous strike near the penalty spot.
The ball skimmed the crossbar and flew over the baseline, giving the goalkeeper a cold sweat.
VfL Wolfsburg escaped by the skin of their teeth.
Five minutes later, RB Leipzig pushed forward again.
Once again it was Werner, driving forward with the ball at high speed on the left wing.
The Wolfsburg defender didn’t dare commit to a tackle, effectively “escort-guarding” him all the way to the edge of the penalty box.
Werner dropped his left shoulder to fake a drive toward the baseline before suddenly cutting inside.
Träsch was completely thrown off balance and out of position, forcing Bruma to step up to cover.
Werner chose not to shoot himself and instead passed the ball to Emil Forsberg, who was making a run from behind.
Emil Forsberg faked a shot, then suddenly burst forward with the ball.
Träsch and Bruma botched their double-team attempt, allowing Emil Forsberg to burst right between them.
Desperate, Bruma stuck out a leg to intercept the ball, only to trip Emil Forsberg up.
The referee was right behind them and saw everything clearly, decisively pointing to the penalty spot.
Werner stepped up to take the penalty and buried it.
3-0!
After scoring, Werner ran straight to the bench and wrapped his arms around Rolin, who was sitting on the far end.
“Hey bro, I scored another one!
You should be able to get on now, right?” Ralph Hasenhüttl watched this scene with amused exasperation, but ultimately nodded.
“Rolin, get ready to go on!”