Leipzig's "wild phases" and Rose's desire for consistency

The relief was huge and palpable. Another setback in the Bundesliga would have been difficult for RB Leipzig to digest after the cup exit and the slip-up in Mainz. Now the Saxons are clearly back on course for the Champions League with a 3:1 win against SC Freiburg and fourth place in the table. "In the end, it was deserved and a very, very important win for us. We're in the top four, so we're very happy with the interim result," said sporting director Rouven Schröder, praising in particular the good motivational work of coach Marco Rose.

He was relieved, but saw "wild phases" in the "really interesting soccer match, where both teams were on their last legs". His boys were able to turn the game in their favor, but Rose has one main goal after the international break: "The desire to play a consistent 90 minutes is what drives us all." But you shouldn't forget, "we've been missing Willi Orban and Dani Olmo for weeks, I think we're doing quite well, praise to the lads".

So it wasn't soccer fireworks against Freiburg, but ultimately there were three important points. Xavi Simons (6th minute) put the cup winners ahead in front of 41,117 spectators. Merlin Röhl (45.+6) equalized for Freiburg. Lois Openda (79th) from the penalty spot and Christoph Baumgartner (80th), who had previously saved the penalty, decided the game.

Blaswich would "also go there on a bike"

"We got the job done. We should have decided the game before the break. As it was, we made it very exciting, but we won. That's all that matters," said goalscorer Simons, while goalkeeper Janis Blaswich is already looking forward to his first trip to the German national team: "I'd cycle there too."

The match winner was Baumgartner in particular, who is becoming increasingly valuable for RB. "We mobilized all our strength to get the game on our side. I knew straight away that the penalty was a foul: it was a one-on-one situation against Grifo, I remember him from Hoffenheim," explained the Austrian international and almost felt sorry for the Freiburg player: "As an attacking player, it's unpleasant to defend in the box - I know what it's like. I caught him on the wrong foot quite well, I pull the ball back and he hits me clear down low."