RB Leipzig overcome Elversberg to extend record home winning run

RB Leipzig moved into the Bundesliga’s top five after a 4-0 victory over Elversberg extended their club-record home winning streak to nine matches.

The result also saw Leipzig leapfrog their visitors in the table and maintain their unbeaten record against promoted teams in the Bundesliga, which now stands at 41 matches.

Leipzig had returned to the Red Bull Arena after a difficult week in which they conceded 10 goals in heavy defeats by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. They had won all of their home games this season but lost every Bundesliga match away from home.

Their performance in the opening half was subdued, however, with Antonio Nusa’s curling effort over the crossbar in the 25th minute their first meaningful attempt.

Elversberg, by contrast, carried the greater attacking threat. Only two promoted teams in the past 50 years have scored more than their 12 goals during the opening six matches of a first Bundesliga campaign.

Vincent Wagner’s side had the only shot on target before the interval, when David Mokwa’s long-range volley was impressively kept out by Leipzig goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Leipzig manager Martin Demichelis had made eight changes from the side beaten by Real Madrid, but his players were jeered off at half-time after a lacklustre first-half display.

The hosts responded immediately after the restart and needed only three minutes to take the lead. A move developed down the left before Nusa pulled the ball back for Tidiam Gomis, who stepped onto the pass and struck first time into the net.

It was Gomis’ second goal in as many matches.

Elversberg struggled to create a response, while Leipzig came close to adding a second when Nyland’s long throw sent Gomis clear. The French forward was denied by the outstretched leg of Elversberg goalkeeper Nicolas Kristof.

Leipzig eventually doubled their advantage in the 66th minute. Half-time substitute Romulo Cardoso was played through by Nusa and finished between Kristof’s legs.

Elversberg had an opportunity to reduce the deficit almost immediately, but Frederik Schmahl lifted his shot over the crossbar.

Christoph Baumgartner then put the result beyond doubt by heading in Brajan Gruda’s cross. The goal marked Baumgartner’s first Bundesliga appearance of the season.

There was still time for Leipzig to score a fourth in stoppage time. Substitute Abdoul Kone won possession before producing an excellent backheel for Romulo, who turned the ball home from close range to complete his double.

The defeat leaves Elversberg with only one victory in their past nine away league matches. RB Leipzig, meanwhile, secured a ninth successive home Bundesliga win and strengthened their position in the top five.