How did Makoto Hasebe roll back the years to frustrate RB Leipzig?

RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt clashed in one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the Bundesliga weekend. Five points separated them before kick-off and both teams were looking for three points to cement their top four positions. RB Leipzig came into this match on the back of three straight wins with eight goals scored and none conceded, including a 4-0 demolition of Fortuna Dusseldorf. Eintracht Frankfurt came into this match with two draws and one win, including last week’s 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund.

The result would have long-term ramifications in securing European qualification. With both teams having played some scintillating football this season, this game promised to be packed with energetic football. This feature will break down the tactical aspects of RB Leipzig’s goalless draw against Eintracht Frankfurt but first, let’s assess the team selection.

Team news

RB Leipzig

Ralf Rangnick set up his side in a 3-4-1-2 formation to match Eintracht Frankfurt’s three-man defensive system. There were three changes to the Leipzig line up with Nordi Mukiele replacing the injured Ibrahima Konaté at centre-back. Stefan Illsanker replaced Tyler Adams and Matheus Cunha made way for the return of talismanic Timo Werner. Yussuf Poulsen was reunited with his strike partner and was looking to build on his 10-goal haul in the Bundesliga this season.

The three-man defence put an emphasis on the two wing-backs to supply the strike duo. Lucas Klostermann and Marcel Halstenberg have been in fine form and would look to utilise the pace of Liverpool target Timo Werner and intelligent hold-up play of Yussuf Poulsen. Marcel Sabitzer would look to dictate play from the number 10 position and act as the enganche between the midfield and front two.

Eintracht Frankfurt

While RB Leipzig adapted to their opposition, Eintracht Frankfurt continued with a system that has worked for them all season and propelled them up the league table. Eintracht Frankfurt are a counter-attacking side that operate in a 3-4-1-2 formation and play direct football.

They use their wing-backs effectively and have them get the ball to the forwards as quickly as possible. Another method of attacking is using their central centre-back, usually Makoto Hasebe, to launch long balls into the front three to take advantage of the strength, pace, and movement of Sébastien Haller and Ante Rebić.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s defensive effort

Frankfurt’s back five stuck to the game plan and nullified the attacking threat of Leipzig’s attackers posed throughout the match. Not only did they have to contend with Yussuf Poulsen and Timo Werner, but the attacking emphasis of Lukas Klostermann, Marcel Sabitzer and Marcel Halstenberg also posed a significant threat.

Sabitzer’s role was to create from an advanced position by playing in Werner and Poulsen and target the inside channels for Halstenberg and Klostermann to exploit. However, he was thwarted by the excellent football intelligence of Makoto Hasebe, Evan NDicka, and Martin Hinteregger.