Champions League group stage recap: Leipzig's entertainers progress
Monday, February 12, 2024
Article summary
Leipzig did not struggle for goals as their exciting brand of attacking football helped seal progress.
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Article body
Leipzig were one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage, with their six matches yielding a total of 23 goals as they finished runners-up in their section.
Campaign so far
Group G runners-up: W4 D0 L2 F13 A10
Top scorer: Loïs Openda (4)
19/09: Young Boys 1-3 Leipzig – Elia 33; Simakan 3, X. Schlager 73, Šeško 90+2
04/10: Leipzig 1-3 Man City – Openda 48; Foden 25, Álvarez 84, Doku 90+2
25/10: Leipzig 3-1 Crvena zvezda – Raum 12, Simons 59, Olmo 84; Stamenic 70
07/11: Crvena zvezda 1-2 Leipzig – Henrichs 81 (og); Simons 8, Openda 77
28/11: Man City 3-2 Leipzig – Haaland 54, Foden 70, Álvarez 87; Openda 13 33
13/12: Leipzig 2-1 Young Boys – Šeško 51, Forsberg 56; Colley 53
Campaign in ten words: Short against City again but too strong for the rest.
UEFA.com reporter's view
Leipzig have plenty of reasons to be satisfied with their group stage campaign. Although they have previously made it to the knockout stage three times, they had never qualified as early as Matchday 4 before – and that despite a home defeat by Manchester City. They will hope to build further confidence and consistency in the lead-up to the round of 16.
How do Leipzig play?
Under Marco Rose, Leipzig play an exciting brand of attacking football fuelled by young star players such as Xavi Simons and summer signing Loïs Openda. They can at times struggle to maintain intensity over the full 90 minutes, which can leave their defence exposed to late pressure, but all in all this is a team on the up.
Fantasy star performers
Xavi Simons – 33 points
Xaver Schlager – 31 points
Loïs Openda – 30 points
Key stats
• Leipzig have won eight of their last ten Champions League group stage matches (L2).
• Leipzig have only failed to score in one of their last 20 Champions League group stage matches.
• Openda has now scored four goals in his last five Champions League matches.
Squad changes
In: El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Eljif Elmas, Leopold Zingerle
Out: Emil Forsberg, Lennart Johanns, Tino Kaufmann, Fabio Carvalho, Timo Werner
