Concern about Gulacsi, Sesko saves: Leipzig only draw against Kiel

Thanks to Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig avoided an embarrassing defeat against bottom club Holstein Kiel. The striker, who is courted all over Europe, limited the damage in the battle for the Champions League with his goal to make it 1:1 (0:1). However, the Bundesliga club is worried about goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, who had to be treated for several minutes after a violent collision in the 62nd minute and then taken to hospital injured.

In front of 45,940 fans, Shuto Machino (44th minute) shocked Leipzig, who had been playing poorly until then, with his eighth goal of the season. The newcomer's lead was by no means undeserved. Sesko converted a penalty in the 74th minute to secure a point for RB. Leipzig also defended their fourth place, which entitles them to play in the top flight, thanks to Mainz's parallel slip-up. RB also avoided their first defeat in their 36th clash with a newly promoted team.

No ideas without Simons

Leipzig were without suspended playmaker Xavi Simons, defender Willi Orban and attacking defender David Raum, but Löw had a long week of training to prepare his players. The opening phase then belonged to RB. Nicolas Seiwald brought the ball to the near post from the right, where Benjamin Sesko (4) shot just wide.

But then things became lethargic, disjointed and too complicated for Leipzig. The attackers were completely up in the air, with Arthur Vermeeren in particular making dangerous losses of possession in the build-up. After seven minutes, a ball from the Belgian landed at the feet of Steven Skrzybski, who simply shot from 35 meters. RB keeper Peter Gulacsi deflected the ball over the crossbar in the greatest of emergencies.

Deserved deficit

From Leipzig's point of view, things did not get any better - and they were lucky that Kiel were good in the build-up but limited in finishing. Holstein always lacked compelling action in the final third. At least until shortly before the break. Skrzybski was sent down the right flank with a long ball and Machino finished the low cross almost unchallenged. It remained the same: Kiel scored at least one goal in every away game.

The RB fans were less amused, and a whistling started at the break. Löw reacted with a double substitution, taking off Vermeeren and Kosta Nedeljkovic and bringing on Amadou Haidara and Lutsharel Geertruida. And the chances came: Christoph Baumgartner (49') missed the first from just under six meters after a set piece. Various near-misses followed, but Kiel's passionate defending always managed to get a leg between them.

Gulacsi stretchered off

But suddenly the stadium was silent for several minutes. During a rescue operation, Gulacsi collided violently with Kiel's David Zec, leaving both lying dazed. Several medics attended to Gulacsi, who was taken to the dressing room on a stretcher. When the Hungarian international keeper raised his arm, applause broke out and the fans chanted his name.

A little later, Sesko provided relief with his safely converted penalty. Holstein goalkeeper Thomas Dähne had previously brought down Loïs Openda. The Belgian scored himself three minutes later, but was clearly offside.