Xavi at the double as Leipzig edge Wolfsburg | OneFootball

Xavi Simons' brace enough for RB Leipzig despite Wolfsburg fightback

Xavi struck twice and Loïs Openda was also on target as RB Leipzig earned a 3-2 win over Wolfsburg in the Matchday 29 curtain-raiser, but they were made to sweat for the points after almost letting a 3-0 lead slip.

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Wolfsburg 2-3 RB Leipzig Goals: 0-1 Openda 11' (assist: Baku), 0-2 Xavi 26' (assist: Vermeeren), 0-3 Xavi 49' (assist: Baku), 1-3 Fischer 58' (assist: Kamiński), 2-3 Skov Olsen 75' (assist: Mæhle)

The meeting between VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig at the Volkswagen Arena on Matchday 29 was more than just a battle for three points. It marked the reunion of Wolfsburg coach Ralph Hasenhüttl and his former assistant, now Leipzig interim coach Zsolt Löw. Both teams entered the match looking to improve their recent form in what promised to be an intriguing encounter.

Loïs Openda celebrates opening the scoring for RB Leipzig against Wolfsburg. (IMAGO/PICTURE POINT Roger Petzsche)

Leipzig dominate early proceedings

Leipzig wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Openda breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute. The Belgian forward capitalised on a Wolfsburg error to fire a powerful shot past Kamil Grabara from 24 meters out. Leipzig's control of the match continued, and they doubled their lead in the 26th minute through Xavi Simons. The Dutch midfielder curled a beautiful shot into the corner from the edge of the box, leaving Grabara with no chance.

Xavi scored eighth and ninth Bundesliga goals of the season. (IMAGO/Noah Wedel)

Simons extends Leipzig's lead

The second half started with a bang as Xavi scored his second goal of the match just four minutes after the restart. The young Dutchman showcased his clinical finishing once again, further cementing Leipzig's control of the game. However, the match was far from over, and Wolfsburg were determined to mount a comeback.

Kilian Fischer's strike finds the back of the net, igniting Wolfsburg's comeback attempt against Leipzig. (IMAGO/RHR-FOTO)

Wolfsburg fight back

Despite Leipzig's dominance, Wolfsburg had their chances throughout the match. Bence Dardai had hit the post in the 22nd minute, and Jakub Kamiński struck the crossbar just before half-time. The home side's persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Kilian Fischer scored his first-ever Bundesliga goal, a well-placed shot from outside the box that gave Wolfsburg hope. The comeback continued as Andreas Skov Olsen reduced the deficit further in the 75th minute, setting up a tense finale.

Leipzig hold on for victory

As the match entered its final stages, both teams made several substitutions around the 71st minute, injecting fresh energy into the contest. Wolfsburg pushed hard for an equaliser, with Yannick Gerhardt coming close with a volley that required a spectacular save from Péter Gulácsi. However, Leipzig managed to weather the storm and secure a crucial 3-2 victory.

Player of the Match: Xavi Simons

Xavi was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match. The young Dutch midfielder's brace was crucial in securing Leipzig's victory, but his influence extended beyond just goal-scoring. The 21-year-old was at the heart of Leipzig's attacking play, consistently creating chances and troubling the Wolfsburg defence with his movement and vision. His first goal, a beautifully curled effort from outside the box, demonstrated his technical ability, while his second early in the second half showed his composure in front of goal.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Wolfsburg 1.96 - Leipzig 1.35Fastest player: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg), 34.01 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-0 by Loïs Openda (Leipzig), 3.4 percentMost pressed player: Jonas Wind (Wolfsburg), 26 times under pressurePass efficiency: Jonas Wind (Wolfsburg), +5.34

Fantasy Heroes: Xavi Simons (Leipzig, 414 Points), Ridle Baku (Leipzig, 285 Points), Péter Gulácsi (Leipzig, 203 Points)

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