RBL take their chances in Bremen | OneFootball

Remember when a lack of cutting edge was one of the big talking points around RB Leipzig? Nor do we, really. It feels like a long time ago now, because the Red Bulls – just as they did in the 5-0 win over Hoffenheim before the international break – were clinical again in Saturday’s 2-1 victory in Bremen.

1. The cutting edge is back

RBL recorded just five efforts in Bremen on Saturday, with only two of them on target – and both found the net. Despite generating just 0.35 xG, our side still scored twice at the Weserstadion. “It’s good to have that efficiency back. We’ve missed it for large parts of the season,” head coach Ole Werner said after beating his former club.

Our two goalscorers, Rômulo and Antonio Nusa, had particular reason to celebrate. The Brazilian got himself back on the scoresheet after three games without a goal, while the Norwegian ended a run of nine Bundesliga matches without finding the net.

2. The goalscorers watch on nervously

Rômulo said afterwards that he does not dwell too much on games in which he does not score. “Sometimes, as a striker, you score in every game, and sometimes you miss your chances,” the 24-year-old said. What matters most to him, though, is something else: “I always want to help the team.”

Toni Nusa also stressed that the team always comes first. “It was important for us to come back from the international break with three points,” he said, before adding: “We need to keep improving over these last six games too. And of course, we need to keep picking up points.”

After being substituted, the two goalscorers watched the closing stages from the bench – and went through it together. “Toni and I were watching the clock and hoping the final whistle would come as quickly as possible,” Rômulo said with a smile. Toni added: “It was stressful, but I’m glad the lads saw it out.”

3. A full squad for the run-in

With TSG Hoffenheim losing 2-1 at home to Mainz 05, the Red Bulls now have a three-point cushion over fifth place and can head into the final stretch with genuine hopes of securing a Champions League spot. “We’ve got six finals left now and we have to fight for every point,” Rômulo stressed.

It's therefore also good news that injured players are making their way back just in time for the run-in. Assan Ouédraogo was back in the matchday squad in Bremen and made his first appearance since matchday 17 in the closing stages. Péter Gulácsi was also back involved and started on the bench, while his deputy Maarten Vandevoordt turned in a strong performance.

The run against Bremen goes on – RBL are now unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with SVW and have already picked up two more points (53) than they managed in the whole of last season (51). Next week, the aim is to build on that in the home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, put in an even better performance and take another three points.

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