The Bundesliga has finally returned, albeit without supporters in the stadium, and RB Leipzig welcomed SC Freiburg to Red Bull Arena for matchday 26. The long layoff from games definitely impacted all clubs around the Bundesliga, with players not being as sharp or fit as they were prior to the postponement of games. Christian Streich’s Freiburg were able to ward off Julian Nagelmann’s RB Leipzig for long periods of the match, earning themselves a 1-1 draw by taking advantage of their set-pieces.
This tactical analysis will examine the tactics used by both Leipzig and Freiburg in this Bundesliga match. The analysis will highlight how Leipzig looked to attack Freiburg through multiple phases of the game, resulting in them ultimately being held at bay.
Lineups
Naglesmann sent out RB Leipzig in a 3-5-2 with Péter Gulácsi in goal, although Leipzig’s shape proved to be quite fluid throughout the match. Marcel Halstenberg, Lukas Klostermann, and Nordi Mukiele started in the backline, which raised some eyebrows with Klostermann being the only “true” centre-back. Angeliño and Tyler Adams were on the left and right flank, respectively, with Konrad Laimer, Kevin Kampl, and Christoper Nkunku operating together in the centre of the pitch. In front of the midfielders were Timo Werner and Yussuf Poulsen.
Streich’s Freiburg were technically in a 3-4-3, although they spent a good majority of the match sewn up in their own half. Alexander Schwolow was in goal with Dominique Heintz, Philipp Lienhart, and Manuel Gulde in the backline. Christian Günter and Jonathan Schmid, both outside-backs by trade, were positioned on the wings, with Nicolas Höfler and Robin Koch in the centre of the pitch. The front three consisted of Vincenzo Grifo, Nils Petersen, and Roland Sallai.
