UEFA Europa League 2018/19: Celtic vs RB Leipzig

This match analysis was first featured on our dedicated Red Bull football site, redbullanalysis.com.

RasenBallsport Leipzig (RB Leipzig) dominated Celtic F.C side in the last round of Europa League matches. The Scottish champions came into the game knowing that only a win would keep their hopes of qualification alive. Prior to kick off, the group was evenly poised with FC Red Bull Salzburg the runaway leaders with nine points, RB Leipzig on six points and Celtic F.C on three points. Celtic needed a win to stay alive and deservedly so. Brendan Rodgers’ men produced a valiant performance in front of the Celtic Park faithful to keep their qualification dream alive. With FC Red Bull Salzburg thrashing Rosenborg 5-2, Celtic are now on level points with RB Leipzig heading into the final two match days.

Celtic Park is renowned for its electric atmosphere and is considered one of the best stadiums to play in by many. The 12th man galvanized the moment and attempted to suffocate the energy from the Leipzig camp. Let us take a closer look at why RB Leipzig failed to beat a team they had the better of just over three weeks ago.

Team News

Celtic F.C

Brendan Rodgers set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Tom Rogic playing a box-to-box role from the number 10 position with the license to influence play going forward. Another addition to the lineup was the inclusion of Scott Sinclair. The winger offered pace, agility and likes to sit on the shoulders of defenders and play in behind. Rodgers decision to play Scott Sinclair outlined his intent to press and expose Leipzig’s high line.

📋 The team news is in, Celts!

Here’s the #CelticFC team to take on RB Leipzig at Paradise. 👊 #CELRBL #UEL pic.twitter.com/qgXmM9rtfR

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 8, 2018

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig left the influential trio of Yussuf Poulsen, Emil Forsberg and Timo Werner in Germany due to injury. Ralf Rangnick made three changes from the side that beat Celtic at the Red Bull Arena three weeks ago with Kevin Kampl and Lukas Klostermann making way for Stefan Ilsanker and Nordi Mukiele. Ilsanker was brought in to add steel to Leipzig’s midfield and allow Marcel Sabitzer to pull the strings. Konrad Laimer was pushed into Kevin Kampl’s box-to-box role. They lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with the front three retained from their last outing.

🚨 TEAM NEWS! 🚨

Two changes from the last time we played @CelticFC, with #Ilsanker and #Mukiele coming in 🔄

🔴⚪ #DieRotenBullen #CELRBL #UEL pic.twitter.com/oewXaCTuJD

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) November 8, 2018

Press To Win

Brendan Rodgers’ side looked a different proposition from three weeks ago. Rodgers looked to have taken the momentum from their last three games and continued their terrific form for the crunch encounter. Having scored 13 goals without conceding showed ominous signs for a side that is struggling to keep pace in the Europa League. The champions learnt their lesson from their performance in Germany three weeks ago. The Northern Irishman is a tactician who is known to study his opponents and it showed in this performance.

Rodgers game plan was in plain sight from outset. In the first match, he planned to push RB Leipzig on to the back foot but it only lasted 35 minutes. The team brought a different mentality and was much more comfortable at home with a controlled aggression. The Scottish champions needed encouragement and an element of luck to keep their momentum going and Keiran Tierney’s first goal gave them a much-needed injection of hope.

As RB Leipzig clear their lines, notice Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney’s reaction to want to close down Matheus Cunha. Their aggression proved successful as they managed to counter-attack Leipzig high up the pitch utilising the pace and intensity brought in by the inclusion of Scott Sinclair and Tom Rogic. Konrad Laimer did not track the run of Tom Rogic which allowed him a free shot. This could have been avoided and the counter-attack nullified earlier Leipzigs midfield could keep pace with Celtics.

Not only did Celtic press in small pockets and groups but resembled a set of synchronized swimmers in their defensive stance. They did not allow RB Leipzig to rest and gain any momentum throughout the game. Pressing as a team allowed for energy conservation and cornered the RB Leipzig players. Celtic’s midfield pounced on Leipzig every time the ball was in sight with multiple players converging on the player. This halted Leipzig’s rhythm and flow. They were unable to play with the freedom they are used to against teams that sit back and counter.

As Dayot Upamecano plays the ball out wide to Konrad Laimer, we can see Celtic hold the perfect shape and start drifting towards the defensive midfielder. As Laimer tries to dribble down the flank, we can see James Forrest attempt to close him down and forces him to pass it to Bruma but once again is intercepted by Dedryck Boyata. Marcel Halstenberg is next to receive the ball but is immediately surrounded by a number of Celtic players.