Set-piece success, general Willi and exciting comebacks | OneFootball

2026 is certainly off to a good start: RB Leipzig have kicked off another year of football with a deserved 2-0 victory over SC Freiburg. The scoreline could have been even more attractive, but ultimately, a pair of set-piece goals were enough to put the game to bed.

Read on to discover why this success was far from a coincidence, and what lessons we were able to learn from #RBLSCF.

Set-piece preparation pays off

The match properly began to get going after the teams came out of the tunnel for half number two. With a couple of successful set-pieces within three minutes, it finally looked like RBL had found the key to unlock their opponents. Willi Orban got the scoring started, meeting David Raum's free-kick delivery with a bullet header (53'), before Romulo doubled the lead with another aerial goal, heading home the rebound after Christoph Baumgartner's effort was parried by SCF keeper Noah Atubolu (56').

It's worth noting that the Red Bulls had only managed two goals from the air so far this season, a tally they doubled just last night. Freiburg, on the other hand, had let in four from set-piece scenarios this campaign. Coincidence? Think again.

Speaking after the game, our head coach Ole Werner gave us an insight into the week's preparations: "We spent a lot of time running through set-pieces, so we could pose as much of a threat as possible from dead balls. We prepare a lot of elements meticulously, and we try to set the players up in the best way we can." The hard work in training has clearly paid off quickly."

David and Willi come up with the plan

Ole went on to emphasise that when approaching set-pieces in a game, the players have a certain degree of freedom. "They make the final decision." David Raum confirmed this, revealing that in the run-up to the opener: "Willi came to me and told me that I should chip the ball over to the back post. We've been playing together for four years now, and I'm delighted that I was able to set him up with a cross once again."

Willi was thinking the same: "The ball from David was really well hit." Our veteran defender didn't just impress with a goal on the night, though, putting in a commendable performance leading from the back and hitting a pass completion rate of over 90%. Willi was deservedly voted "Man of the Match" as a result.

Comebacks for Yan and Toni

Orban and his teammates in the RBL defence allowed just one shot on goal in the game against Freiburg and stole the show in the 2-0 victory. RBL still produced a respectable attacking display, particularly in the final stages when Yan Diomande and Antonio Nusa were both able to enjoy their comebacks to the side. The latter particularly impressed, arguably deserving of a goal to his name after a number of solid moments.

Of course, there's plenty of time for that over the next few games. The next home game is coming up just this Saturday, when Leipzig welcome FC Bayern München to the Red Bull Arena for an 18:30 CET kick-off. According to Ole Werner, Yan and Toni are both in contention to make the starting lineup against the champions.

Strong set-piece work, impressive defensive prowess and electric forward talent - we could really put to use all the tools that helped us cruise to victory over SC Freiburg when Bayern come to town.

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