Geertruida for space
For the 1-0 win in Heidenheim, Rose had to do without national player David Raum, who had an ankle operation. There was a lot of speculation about his replacement, Rose chose the calm Dutch Lutsharel Geertruida and a new system: instead of a chain of four, he went for a chain of three. In addition to the outstanding Orban, Lukas Klostermann and Castello defended Lukeba.
Xavi with “Tunnel-Tor”
A courageous Mainz team gritted their teeth and had a few half chances in the first half, but RB keeper Peter Gulacsi didn’t even have to stretch. The people of Leipzig did not cut down any trees. A dream pass from Amadou Haidara into the path of Xavi, who finally showed his skills, was enough to take the lead. With a sparkling clean start and close control of the ball, the mouse dribbled into the penalty area and drilled past Mainz keeper Zentner from twelve meters (20th).
Zentner was not happy even at 2-0 (37th). The Mainz player let a shot from Lois Openda bounce forward, Orban reacted the fastest and scored.
RB has everything under control
After the change, Leipzig closed the doors, Mainz ran at it, but, as in the first half, they could not find any gaps in their close defence. For the fans it was initially a tough business and sometimes soporific because the excitement was missing on both sides.