RB Leipzig overcome inspired Moritz Nicolas performance to edge past Gladbach

RB Leipzig overcome inspired Moritz Nicolas performance to edge past Gladbach

Nicolas may well dominate the post-match headlines after a magnificent display, but Leipzig will care little as they secured a crucial three points in their push for Champions League qualification. Once again, it was Diomande who delivered at a decisive moment for Die Roten Bullen.

As expected, Leipzig started on the front foot and nearly took the lead inside three minutes. Diomande cut in from the right and shifted the ball to David Raum, whose clipped effort from inside the area struck the far post - an early warning for Gladbach.

The pressure continued throughout the opening stages. Raum, heavily involved down the left, delivered a dangerous cross that forced Nicolas into a sharp save to deny Ridle Baku from close range.

Nicolas was called into action again on 19 minutes. Baku reached the byline and cut the ball back for Rômulo, whose first-time effort was expertly tipped behind by the Gladbach goalkeeper.

The visitors’ shot-stopper produced his finest moment just after the half-hour mark with a stunning double save. He first denied Nicolas Seiwald from a free-kick situation, before reacting brilliantly to keep out Willi Orbán on the rebound, ensuring the sides went into the break level.

Leipzig resumed their dominance after the interval, but Nicolas remained unbeatable. Raum tested him again with a fierce half-volley from distance, which was pushed away, while further efforts from Raum and Xaver Schlager met the same fate.

It increasingly felt as though Nicolas would not be beaten - until Diomande intervened. With nine minutes remaining, Christoph Baumgartner led a swift Leipzig counter and threaded a pass into the path of the Ivorian. Diomande showed composure to slow the play, glide past Joe Scally, and pick out the corner for his 11th goal of the season.

Gladbach almost responded immediately. Yannik Engelhardt’s cross found Fabio Chiarodia, but his header crashed against the crossbar, and Haris Tabaković was unable to capitalise on the rebound.

Despite late pressure and a lengthy period of added time, Leipzig held firm to secure all three points.

The victory lifts Leipzig up to third place and marks a third consecutive win, while Gladbach’s winless run extends to three matches, leaving them in 13th.