RB Leipzig: 0-0 draw against Essen! Leipzig’s women team face European setback

Bundesliga Women’s result

RB Leipzig’s women’s team has suffered a setback in their aspirations for international success, playing only a 0-0 draw against SGS Essen in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Thursday. The game, played at the Stadion Essen, saw Leipzig, the German Bundesliga champions, fail to convert numerous scoring opportunities, while Essen’s resolute defense stood firm throughout the match.

The result leaves Leipzig in second place in Group C with two points after two games, with Essen now top of the qualifying group on four points. Both teams will be vying to finish first or second in the pool and advance to the knockout rounds.

Match Summary

Leipzig, who won the Bundesliga last season for the first time, began the match as the clear favorites and had the better chances in the first half. However, they were unable to find a way past Essen goalkeeper Stina Johannes, who made a string of impressive saves to keep her team in the game.

In the second half, Leipzig continued to press for a goal, but Essen defended stoutly and limited their opponents to half-chances. Essen, to their credit, also had their moments on the attack and could have snatched a late winner when midfielder Laura Donhauser fired a shot just wide in the closing minutes.

Opportunities and missed opportunities

Leipzig had a number of excellent chances to win the match, with the best falling to striker Nicole Billa in the first half. The Austrian international, who scored 25 goals in the Bundesliga last season, was put through on goal by Daniëlle van de Donk but sent her shot wide of the target.

Essen, meanwhile, defended resolutely throughout the match and limited Leipzig’s attacking opportunities. They also posed a threat on the counterattack, with Donhauser and fellow midfielder Selina Ostermeier causing problems for the Leipzig defense.

Conclusion

The draw leaves Leipzig’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds of the Women’s Champions League hanging in the balance. They will need to win their remaining two group matches, against FC Rosengård and Benfica, and hope that other results go their way.

For Essen, the result is a major boost to their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds. They will now be confident of finishing in the top two in Group C.