"Dirtbag soccer": Raum wants to crack Bayer like Atlético

RB Leipzig are taking the team with probably the nastiest reputation in Europe as their role model in the Bundesliga top match against Bayer Leverkusen. "Leverkusen have experienced what real scumbag soccer is," said international David Raum. The Leipzig player alluded to Bayer's 2-1 defeat at Atlético Madrid in the Champions League under the always emotionally charged coach Diego Simeone.

RB will look to that for inspiration on Saturday (15:30/Sky). "We can all play well, but I think at the end of the day you win a top game like this through fight and will," said the defender. Leipzig gained self-confidence on Wednesday evening with the 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon and freed themselves from the results crisis.

Kimmich jubilation

At the same time, Raum scored to make it 2-0 - and cheered like his buddy Joshua Kimmich with his index finger held to his temple. "When we're in contact, we tell each other that the cheers have to come again at some point," said the 26-year-old. To Raum's annoyance, his goal was disallowed for offside. "Then I'll have to do the cheering again when I hopefully score at the weekend."

Leipzig certainly know how to beat Bayer. In the first half of the season, the Saxons won 3:2 in Leverkusen. It is the only Bundesliga defeat for the champions in 52 games so far this season.