Nkunku helps Leipzig reclaim fourth

RB Leipzig 4-0 Augsburg
Goals: 1-0 Silva (40'), 2-0 Nkunku 48' (assist: Mukiele), 3-0 Nkunku 57' (assist: Mukiele), 4-0 Forsberg (pen. 64')

Freiburg's loss to Union Berlin opened the door for Leipzig to break back into the top four in the final game of the 2021/22 Bundesliga season's penultimate weekend. Augsburg did not have quite as much pressure on their shoulders, VfB Stuttgart's 2-2 draw away to champions Bayern Munich having already ensured their place in the Bundesliga next term before a ball was kicked at the Red Bull Arena. Leipzig shaded the first half, despite playing in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, and went in at the break in front thanks to Andre Silva's fabulous individual strike from 18 yards.

Nkunku added a second when he applied a superb first-time finish to Nordi Mukiele's inch-perfect cut-back. The same duo combined again for Leipzig's third in a near-carbon copy of their second as Augsburg wilted. Rafael Gikiewicz denied Silva his brace, but was powerless to prevent Emil Forsberg scoring from the penalty spot after Mads Pedersen was adjudged to have fouled Mukiele upon VAR review. Silva had a goal ruled out and Gikiewicz thwarted Benjamin Henrichs as Leipzig opened up a two-point lead in fourth, ahead of their season-ending trip to second-bottom Arminia Bielefeld.

• Christopher Nkunku has 20 Bundesliga goals this season - the fourth-highest individual tally in the division.
• Silva is Leipzig's next best scorer with 11.
• Leipzig are unbeaten in 11 competitive games against Augsburg, winning six.
• Leipzig reserve goalkeeper Philipp Tschauner made his Bundesliga debut.
• Augsburg are guaranteed a 12th straight season of Bundesliga football.
• Ricardo Pepi is yet to open his account in 10 appearances (eight shots) for Augsburg.

Watch: Emil Forsberg on "fantastic" win

Leipzig: Gulacsi (c) (Tschauner 88') - Klostermann, Orban, Halstenberg – Mukiele, Laimer (Adams 71'), Kampl, Henrichs - Forsberg (Szoboszlai 71') - Silva (Poulsen 71'), Nkunku (Olmo 78')
Unused subs: Martinez, Angelino, Novoa
Out: Haidara (knee), Simakan (suspended)
Coach: Domenico Tedesco

Augsburg: Gikiewicz - Uduokhai, Gouweleeuw (c), Oxford – Caligiuri (Gumny 79'), Gruezo, Dorsch, Günther – Gregoritsch, Pedersen (Zeqiri 79') - Niederlechner (Pepi 58')
Unused subs: Koubek, Maier, Winther, Finnbogason, Hahn, Framberger
Out: Sarenren Bazee (knee), Iago (knee), Strobl (knee), Vargas (muscular)
Coach: Markus Weinzierl

Watch: Mads Pedersen and Augsburg "happy" to be safe