October 29, Sky Sport Germany studio.
Bastian Herrmann and Lothar Matthäus were commentating on this match.
“Good evening, viewers, and welcome to today’s Bundesliga match, where RB Leipzig is away against Darmstadt.” “My co-commentator today is everyone’s old friend — Lothar Matthäus.” “Good evening, everyone.
I’m very glad to commentate on this match for you.” Herrmann glanced at the starting lineup, then turned to look at the legendary veteran beside him: “Lothar, as a former core midfielder of the Germany national team, how do you view the player Rolin Bachmann?” “I know he was exceptionally called up to the U20 National Youth Team, which also caused quite a bit of controversy.” Matthäus smiled and said, “When I saw the news, I was also a bit confused as to why Guido would call up an 18-year-old youngster.” He paused and continued: “Out of curiosity, I specifically watched his match footage, from his youth League days to his first Bundesliga match.
To be honest, his performance amazed me.
I play midfield myself, so I have some say in this.
His physique is very strong, his speed is clearly faster than mine back then, and his physical fitness and endurance are no less inferior.
Most importantly, he has a calm mind and overall vision far beyond his peers.
His timing for tackles in the last match, as well as his passing timing during counterattacks, were grasped very well.
Although he hasn’t scored a goal in the Bundesliga yet, trust me, his scoring ability is by no means weak.
If you don’t believe it, look at those shots of his in the youth League; they will definitely astonish you!” Herrmann was astonished by Matthäus’s evaluation!
You must know that Lothar Matthäus is a legendary player in German football.
His status in German football is second only to ‘Football Emperor’ Franz Beckenbauer, a proper heavyweight.
For Rolin to actually receive such high praise from him is simply incredible!
Herrmann calmed his mood and continued with Matthäus’s words: “I didn’t expect Rolin to receive such praise.
The lad must work hard in this match and definitely mustn’t let Lothar’s words fall to the ground.” “Both teams’ players have taken the pitch, let’s take a look at the starting lineups of both sides.” Darmstadt lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Goalkeeper: Michael Esser Defenders: Leon Guwara, Aleksandar Milosevic, Aytac Sulu, Immanuel Höhn Defensive Midfielders: Jerome Gondorf, Florian Jungwirth Left Midfielder: Roman Bezjak, Attacking Midfielder: Sidney Sam, Right Midfielder: Änis Ben-Hatira Lone Striker: Sven Schipplock RB Leipzig deployed their usual 4-2-2-2 formation: Goalkeeper: Péter Gulácsi Defenders: Marcel Halstenberg, Marvin Compper, Willi Orban, Benno Schmitz Defensive Midfielders: Naby Keïta, Kevin Demme Attacking Midfielders: Rolin Bachmann, Marcel Sabitzer Forwards: Timo Werner, Yussuf Poulsen In Germany, the match was broadcast across multiple platforms, with football fans eagerly awaiting the action.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Rolin start today.
His debut was outstanding.” “Let’s see if he can back up the hype.
Starting is completely different from coming off the bench.” “RB Leipzig should win this comfortably.
Darmstadt have been poor this season.” “Rolin needs to show consistency if he wants to keep his place in the rotation.” — With a blast of the referee’s whistle, the match officially began.
Darmstadt knew that RB Leipzig’s attacking power was very strong, so they chose to turtle up in defense from the start.
They actively gave up midfield possession, and all players retreated to their own half, putting on a show of defending to the death.
Rolin had watched the footage of the opponent’s previous matches before the game, so he wasn’t surprised that they chose to defend desperately.
RB Leipzig didn’t choose to besiege right from the start, but instead constantly manipulated the defensive players through passing.
This could not only consume their physical fitness, but also lower their defensive concentration.
In the 15th minute of the match.
RB Leipzig launched an attack on the right flank.
Naby Keïta gave a low pass to Rolin, who leaned against the defensive player with his back to the goal, flicked the ball with the outside of his left foot, and distributed it to the overlapping Schmitz on the right flank.
Rolin quickly made a forward run after passing the ball, moving towards the left side of the penalty area to stretch the opponent’s defensive line.
Schmitz advanced with the ball on the right flank, and facing the defensive player’s challenge, he calmly passed the ball to Marcel Sabitzer at the edge of the penalty area.
Marcel Sabitzer received the ball with his back to the goal, then played a one-two combination with Schmitz.
Schmitz used his speed to shake off the defense, first making a passing feint, and immediately pulling the ball and turning.
At this time, Timo Werner and Yussuf Poulsen had already rushed to the front of the goal, attracting the attention of the opponent’s defensive players.
Rolin raised his hand on the left side of the penalty area to signal for a pass; he had been left completely unmarked.
Marcel Sabitzer simultaneously raised his hand to call for the ball on the right side of the penalty area, but there were defensive players beside and in front of him, so the opportunity wasn’t very good.
Schmitz decisively swung his foot and passed the ball to the left side of the penalty area.
Without stopping the ball, Rolin turned his body sideways in place, and met the incoming ball with a full volley strike.
At the moment of striking the shot, Rolin roared in his heart: “Volley from the Heavens!” The football flew straight into the top corner like an outgoing cannonball.
The goalkeeper’s reaction speed was very fast, making a save at the very first moment, but still failed to touch the ball.
1:0!
“Wow, the ball is in, a wonderful long-range worldie!” “This 18-year-old youngster scored in his very first match as a starter, truly living up to the name of a genius!” “There are still more than 70 minutes left in the match, how many more surprises can he bring us?
Let us wait and see!” On social media, football fans were in disbelief: “Rolin scored in his first start?
This is insane!” “That goal was absolutely gorgeous — he volleyed it perfectly!” “The kid is the real deal.
What a strike!” “The Volley from the Heavens!
Where did he learn that?!”