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RB Leipzig overcomes Wolfsburg to secure DFB-Pokal semifinal spot

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, February 27, 2025
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BERLIN, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- RB Leipzig progressed to the German Cup semifinals after Benjamin Sesko's penalty was enough to knock out Wolfsburg 1-0 win in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

The match started brightly, with Lois Openda creating the first chance after just four minutes, though Wolfsburg responded soon after when Tiago Tomas hit the side netting.

Both teams showed attacking intent, but their efforts often lacked precision. Openda and Benjamin Sesko fired over the bar in quick succession, while Mohamed Amoura and Andreas Skov Olsen both had efforts saved by Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt on the half-hour mark.

Leipzig controlled possession but struggled to find the target in the final third. Meanwhile, Wolfsburg's counterattacks were often disrupted before they gained momentum. The visitors had a golden opportunity on the stroke of halftime when Patrick Wimmer forced Vandevoordt into a save.

Wolfsburg almost broke the deadlock soon after the restart. Amoura's header hit the crossbar three minutes into the second half and Skov Olsen tested Vandevoordt from distance. The away side's attacking pressure was evident, but they failed to capitalise on their chances.

As the hour mark approached, Leipzig regained control of the game and pinned Wolfsburg deeper into their own half.

Despite missed chances from Openda and Sesko, the decisive moment came in the 66th minute when referee Tobias Reichel awarded a penalty after Robin Fischer handled the ball in the area following a close-range shot.

Although the decision sparked debate on the pitch, VAR did not overturn the decision. Sesko stepped up and slotted the spot-kick into the bottom-left corner to break the deadlock.

Wolfsburg chased down the lead but struggled to break down Leipzig's well-placed defence. Wolfsburg substitute Kevin Behrens had a promising chance inside the area two minutes from time, but his shot was off target.

At the other end, Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels made several crucial saves to prevent Leipzig from extending their lead.

In the end, the hosts held on to secure their place in the last four, while Wolfsburg's efforts went unrewarded.

"Today's positive result makes me very happy. We are just one win away from the final in Berlin. It was a well-deserved win. This game can give us momentum for the Bundesliga," said Leipzig coach Marco Rose.

Earlier on Tuesday, third-tier Arminia Bielefeld eliminated Werder Bremen from the competition with a 2-1 win. Enditem

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