Sesko scores and flies: Stuttgart win against Leipzig

Thanks to a strong second half, runners-up VfB Stuttgart also won their second game of the new year and moved close to the Champions League places. The Swabians beat RB Leipzig 2:1 (0:1) to close out the first half of the Bundesliga season and are now just one point behind the fourth-placed team from Saxony, who lost two strikers to sending-offs in the closing stages.

Slovenian goalscorer Benjamin Sesko scored for the fifth league game in a row and put RB ahead in the 10th minute. However, winter acquisition Jacob Bruun Larsen (50') and Nick Woltemade (60') turned the game in VfB's favor with their goals in front of 57,500 spectators. Shortly before the end, Leipzig's Sesko (85) and Loïs Openda (88) were both shown yellow and red.

Fought and hectic first half

In an intense and hectic first half, both teams were on the edge of their seats at times. Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav, who returned to the starting eleven, was yellow-carded after just five minutes for a foul. Sesko was also cautioned for a violent tackle on Angelo Stiller in midfield (20').

The VfB strategist was able to play on, but was visibly upset and shouted at the linesman. There were loud whistles from the crowd for the rather demanding referee Sascha Stegemann at the break.

Openda only hits the post

The hosts had more possession. However, they lacked precision in attack before the break - and were careless at the back. A ball loss by VfB just outside their own penalty area led to Leipzig taking an early lead. Xavi Simons played in Sesko - and he overcame Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel with a central but powerful shot to make it 1-0.

Openda almost increased RB's lead after just under 20 minutes, but only hit the left post after the Saxons won the ball back. The Belgian could also have crossed, with Ridle Baku, who joined from VfL Wolfsburg during the winter break, running along on the right.

Raum unlucky with Stuttgart's lead

VfB got off to the better start in the second half. Undav crossed from the right into the center of the penalty area and Bruun Larsen, who had only signed from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim a week earlier, headed home the equalizer.

The goal visibly spurred the Swabians on. Undav in particular now turned up the heat - and was also involved in VfB's second goal. Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi initially parried a shot from close range from the attacker. Defender David Raum then shot at Woltemade as he attempted to clear the ball. The ball flew into the net and the game was turned.

RB, who had won 4:2 against Werder Bremen on Sunday, fought for at least one more point. However, VfB conceded very little - and secured their next victory three days after the 1-0 win at FC Augsburg.

Sesko fouled Stiller again in the closing stages and was sent off - as was Openda a few minutes later after pushing Jamie Leweling.