Leipzig Look to Cement UCL Spot vs Dortmund

Soccer, Bundesliga

Saturday’s Bundesliga clash between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund at the Red Bull Arena could prove pivotal in deciding who claims the coveted fourth spot and automatic Champions League qualification.

Currently two points clear in fourth, Leipzig will be looking to complete a league double over their rivals and extend the gap to five with just three matches remaining. Marco Rose’s side has been in blistering form of late, going eight games unbeaten across all competitions while winning six.

At home, Die Roten Bullen have been nigh-on impregnable since January, keeping five clean sheets from six outings and dropping just two points in a 0-0 stalemate with Mainz. Strike duo Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko have delivered consistently, scoring 33 Bundesliga goals between them so far.

However, Dortmund will take confidence from their own tremendous away record since November. Unbeaten on the road in their last 10, Edin Terzic’s men have picked up six wins along the way to remain firmly in the top four hunt.

The added carrot of a Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain to come could serve as extra motivation, with key players such as Jude Bellingham and Marco Reus set to be preserved for bigger challenges ahead.

Nevertheless, the incentive of securing a seat at Europe’s top table will ensure neither Leipzig nor Dortmund take their foot off the pedal in what promises to be an engrossing 90 minutes of action.

For the hosts, winning would all but seal Champions League participation and cap an excellent first full season under Rose’s stewardship. As for the visitors, defeat could prove critically damaging to their hopes of returning to the competition they have illuminated so consistently over the past decade.

With so much at stake for both sides, a fascinating tactical battle centering on the strike forces looks to be in store. Can Openda and Sesko outgun the likes of Niclas Fullkrug and Jadon Sancho to help Leipzig take a giant stride towards their ultimate goal?

Or will Dortmund’s quality and big-game experience shine through to set up a grandstand finish? One thing is certain - the team who handles the occasion better seems likelier to emerge victorious from this potential season-defining showdown in Saxony.