Poulsen saves Leipzig blushes against Freiburg

RB Leipzig 1-1 Freiburg
Goals: 0-1 Gulde (34'), 1-1 Poulsen (77')

The home side showed no signs of rust in the first game of the Bundesliga's restart with Konrad Laimer, Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner all forcing saves from Freiburg keeper Alexander Schwolow in the opening 15 minutes in Leipzig. Christian Streich's men had their first attempt on target on 34 minutes, and it produced the first and only goal of the opening period, as Vincenzo Grifo's corner to the near post was flicked beyond Peter Gulacsi's reach by Manuel Gulde to give the visitors a surprise lead. Leipzig remained in control of possession, but it was Freiburg who came closest to extending their advantage before the break, captain Christian Günter dragging a shot wide across goal.

Leipzig continued to dominate the game in the second half, with Julian Nagelsmann bringing on Ademola Lookman at half-time to add to his side's attacking threat. The Englishman had a huge chance 10 minutes later, but sent his volley from inside the six-yard box wide after Kevin Kampl's cross. The Freiburg defence stood firm, even clearing an effort from Kampl off the line. Poulsen had perhaps the best chance of the lot, with his shot from the edge of the box going wide, but he wouldn't be denied for long. Kampl's cross from the left met the Dane's run and he rose highest in the box to head home a deserved equaliser for Leipzig. Freiburg's Koch thought he had won the game in injury time, but a VAR check showed that Lucas Höler had strayed offside, and so both sides had to be content with a point.

• Leipzig have failed to beat Freiburg in the Bundesliga this season, after today's 1-1 draw and a 2-1 defeat in the Black Forest in October's reverse fixture.
• Poulsen's goal was his first in the Bundesliga in 2020.
• Gulde's goal was the first time a Freiburg defender has scored this season in the Bundesliga.
• Freiburg, who have won all three of their home meetings with Leipzig, had previously lost all three of their clashes at the Red Bull Arena.
• Die Breisgauer have scored 11 of their last 15 goals from set pieces.
• Nils Petersen is now eight games without a goal since usurping Germany coach Joachim Löw as Freiburg's all-time leading scorer (84 goals/eight for the current season).

Watch: Poulsen on captaining Leipzig

Leipzig: Gulacsi - Mukiele (Lookman 46'), Klostermann, Halstenberg - Adams (Sabitzer 69'), Kampl, Laimer, Angelino - Nkunku (Schick 81'), Werner - Poulsen (c)
Unused subs: Mvogo, Orban, Konate, Haidara, Wolf, Olmo
Out: Ampadu (back), Forsberg (tonsilitis), Upamecano (suspended)
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann

Freiburg: Schwolow - Gulde, Lienhart, Heintz - Schmid (Schlotterbeck 90'), Koch, Höfler, Günter (c) - Grifo (Waldschmidt 68'), Petersen (Haberer 68'), Sallai (Höler 61')
Unused subs: Thiede, Abrashi, Itter, Kwon, Tempelmann
Out: Kübler (knee)
Coach: Christian Streich

Watch: Günter: "They did everything to make us feel good"