Fifth defeat: RB Leipzig on the brink of elimination from the premier class

RB Leipzig are facing an early exit from the Champions League. The Bundesliga club suffered their fifth defeat in five games with a 1-0 (0-1) loss at Inter Milan. The chances of advancing to the knockout round are now minimal in the three remaining games of the new league system. Leipzig's own goal from central defender Castello Lukeba (27), which gave Inter a well-deserved victory, added to their current crisis with five consecutive games without a win.

Silva instead of Sesko

Rose, who had recently spoken of a crisis for the first time, surprised everyone by starting André Silva instead of Benjamin Sesko. The Portuguese was recently only allowed to start in the DFB Cup against FC St. Pauli (4:2). "His training performances, his perseverance" speak for the Portuguese, Rose told the streaming service DAZN. Silva was unable to make an impact until his substitution in the 61st minute.

He also made three changes after the 4:3 draw in Hoffenheim and switched back to a back four in defense. Following the absence of Lukas Klostermann, he only had five outfield players on the substitutes' bench, including youngster Viggo Gebel. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi had little reason to make changes after eleven unbeaten competitive games and the recent 5-0 win at Verona, but made eight changes.

Inter set the tone first with a shot from Mehdi Taremi (4'), which was deflected and therefore dangerous for RB goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. The Hungarian then saved from Federico Dimarco (8'). Inter were immediately in the game, combining quickly and confidently. RB's insecurity after four games without a win was clear to see and the number of misplaced passes in midfield was too high in the opening quarter of an hour. Gulacsi was again wide awake when Lautaro Martinez headed home a cross in the 18th minute.

RB put Inter ahead

He had no chance against the goal. In keeping with RB's current situation, Lukeba was unfortunate to receive a free-kick from Dimarco on his lower leg, from where the ball went through his own legs and into the goal. Christoph Baumgartner (31) then prevented the 0:2 on the line and RB did not register a top-class scoring chance until the half-time whistle.

After just over an hour, Leipzig had more of the play. Rose brought on Sesko, Nicolas Seiwald and Assan Quedraogo to provide additional impetus. Just four minutes later, Schalke new signing Quedraogo had to come off again due to injury after getting his toe caught in the turf.

RB again optimized their counter-pressing, but were too unimaginative in their own possession. Antonio Nusa (69) had the first and best chance to equalize. His well-placed shot was brilliantly saved by former Bundesliga keeper Yann Sommer. Leipzig got stronger and stronger in the final phase. Suddenly Inter were wobbling. But RB were not rewarded.

Rose wants to turn the team around

After the setback in the Bundesliga with the 3:4 at Hoffenheim, Leipzig must now win against VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday to avoid losing further ground on leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. They then face Eintracht Frankfurt in the cup.