RB Leipzig visited Köln at an empty RheinEnergieSTADION in what was a crucial game for the away side as they look to secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga. The previous matchup between these two sides resulted in a dominant 4-1 win for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, which included a double from Emil Forsberg. Both Köln and Leipzig had dropped points in their previous matches against Hoffenheim and Hertha Berlin respectively.
This tactical analysis will examine the tactics used by both Köln and Leipzig in this Bundesliga match. The analysis will highlight both teams’ pressing, the success of Leipzig’s build-up play and who won the set-piece battle.
Lineups
Köln began with a 4-4-1-1 setup that they used for the majority of the fixture. Manager Markus Gisdol started a back four consisting of Benno Schmitz, Rafael Czichos, Toni Leistner and Noah Katterbach. The midfield line had two holding midfielders in Jonas Hector and Ellyes Skhiri with Ismail Jakobs and Florian Kainz acting as the wide midfielders. Jhon Córdoba, who is having his most prolific Bundesliga season yet, lead the line with Elvis Rexhbecaj playing a little bit deeper.
Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann organised his starting line-up in a typically flexible 4-4-2 formation with high defensive and pressing lines. Péter Gulácsi once again starts in goal with a familiar back four of Angeliño, Lukas Klostermann, Dayot Upamecano and Nordi Mukiele. Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer were the chosen double pivots with Dani Olmo and Christopher Nkunku as the wide playmakers. The complementary duo of Timo Werner and Patrik Schick completed the starting eleven as a front two.
