Bundesliga
RB Leipzig downed previously unbeaten Cologne 3-1 with goals from Assan Ouédraogo and Rômulo, as well as a stunning David Raum free-kick, to secure their third win on the bounce.
RB Leipzig 3-1 Cologne
Goals: 1-0 Ouédraogo 13‘, 1-1 Thielmann 23’ (assist: Martel), 2-1 Rômulo 44’, 3-1 Raum 45‘+4
After suffering defeat to Bayern Munich on the opening day, Ole Werner side have bounced back emphatically, keeping clean sheets in their previous two fixtures against Heidenheim and Mainz.
Cologne, meanwhile, arrived in Leipzig as one of the surprise packages of the early season, having remained unbeaten in their first three matches and taken seven points. The visitors were looking to maintain their momentum under coach Lukas Kwasniok, but faced a Leipzig side who had historically dominated this fixture, winning their previous encounters 6-0 and 5-1 when last Cologne were in the top flight (2023/24 season).
The hosts started brightly with aggressive high pressing, and their approach paid dividends in the 13th minute when Ouédraogo marked his first Bundesliga start with a goal. After Rômulo's initial cross from the right, Ouédraogo's first attempt was saved by Marvin Schwäbe, but the 18-year-old midfielder reacted quickest to smash home the rebound.
Cologne responded well to going behind and drew level 10 minutes later through Jan Thielmann, who finished clinically with his left foot from the edge of the box after being played through by Eric Martel. The equaliser galvanised the visitors, but Leipzig regained control and struck twice in the closing minutes of the first half.
First, Rômulo tapped in from close range after Schwäbe could only parry Christoph Baumgartner's clever backheel. Then, deep into stoppage time, Raum curled a sumptuous free-kick over the wall and into the net to make it 3-1.
Kwasniok introduced Saïd El Mala at half-time, and the substitute added fresh energy to the visitors' attack. Cologne enjoyed more possession after the break and created several chances, with El Mala particularly lively, registering three shots on goal.
Their best opportunity came in the 61st minute when Ragnar Ache, who had just come on as a substitute, failed to convert from close range after excellent work by Sebastian Sebulonsen.
Leipzig were content to soak up pressure and counter-attack, with Yan Diomande forcing a good save from Schwäbe in the 59th minute.
Despite Cologne's increased territorial advantage in the second period, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised Leipzig defence. The hosts managed the game intelligently in the closing stages, with Rômulo and Conrad Harder both coming close to adding a fourth goal on the counter, but ultimately the 3-1 scoreline remained unchanged at the final whistle.
Raum delivered a standout performance that epitomised Leipzig's dominance. The left-back was a constant threat with his pinpoint deliveries from set-pieces, including the corner that led to Ouédraogo's opener.
His sublime free-kick goal just before half-time effectively sealed the victory. The strike was a testament to his technical prowess from dead-ball situations and also marked his second direct free-kick goal of 2025.
Beyond his goal contribution, Raum recorded the highest pass efficiency for Leipzig (2.92) and was defensively solid throughout. The Germany international's all-around display, combining defensive reliability with attacking threat, rightfully earned him the Player of the Match accolade.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leipzig 2.49 - Cologne 1.71
Fastest player: Yan Diomande (Leipzig), 34.56 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-1 by David Raum (Leipzig), 10.49 percent
Most pressed player: Yan Diomande (Leizpig), 27 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Timo Hübers (Cologne), +3.44
Fantasy Heroes: David Raum (Leipzig, 320 Points), Rômulo (Leipzig, 268 Points), Yan Diomande (Leipzig, 230 Points)