Highlights: VfL Wolfsburg - RB Leipzig | DFB-POKAL 2023/2024
Lois Vependa and Xavi Leipzig's new dynamic duo
make their first DFB Cup start against the Wolfsburg side,
desperate to bounce back after suffering three straight defeats
for the first time under head coach Niko Kovac.
Leipzig trying to settle into their early rhythm,
building on that 6-0 win against Köln on the weekend,
but give it away cheaply.
And Thiago Tomáš with an early chance here
and stings the palms of Peter Galacci.
Galacci back in goal for another cup game,
tested early.
Mr. Frank making his first start of the season for Wolfsburg.
Here they come again with Thiago Tomáš.
Lovely ball to find Vaclav Keny,
who's in behind!
His first child into the ring, the international break.
He now celebrates his first ever goal for Wolfsburg.
And he opens his account in fine fashion
after a lovely pass from Tomáš.
But what a crucial goal that could be
in the context of this cup tie.
Xavi.
A little pocket of space to work with.
Left by Timo Werner, it's going to come to Benjamin.
Henrik, so he slices over.
Chance spurned.
And Leipzig head coach Marco Rosa said
that if his side want to defend their title,
they have to treat every game like the final.
They've been second best so far.
The visitors not finding answers to the questions
being asked of them by Wolfsburg.
And a big chance now for Vaclav Keny!
A huge mix up at the back
between Gulacsi and Castello.
But a golden opportunity for Vaclav Keny
to pounce for his brace.
Goes unpunished.
Wolfsburg ahead at the break.
But it's fair to say Leipzig's dream
of completing the DFB Pokal three-peat
isn't dead just yet.
Openda.
Cross deflected.
It's going to come to Schlager.
Raum deflected again.
Oh, it's off the post!
And within two minutes of the restart,
Leipzig almost leveled the scores.
But it's a positive start so far from the visitors.
Raum into Josef Pausen.
Hasn't been at his most effective,
but he is on a yellow card.
That's going to see him receive his marching orders.
The two time defending champions are a goal down.
And now they're at the Volkswagen Arena.
Tonight's trip to Wolfsburg for Leipzig
continues to be more trick than treat.
Franks, he's been magnificent tonight.
And that's a lovely pass to find Kaminsky.
Lovely touch from the young Pole as well.
Kaminsky still going.
Kaminsky!
Oh, it's just wide!
He would have been glorious.
He had to do it all on his own.
The 21-year-old couldn't quite work the angles,
though, just past the hour mark.
Leipzig have struggled from open play.
Maybe a set piece will help them unlock
this Wolfsburg back line.
Oppender attacking at the back post,
but can't find the target.
And while Leipzig, they can't afford to miss chances
like that with Wolfsburg barely giving them an inch.
Kovacic's men not far away from an upset now.
Have Alper van a quieter day at the office
than he expected, I'm sure.
Vind with the flick on to find Meyer.
Gets it back to Vind now.
This is a chance for Jonas Vind!
Oh!
Rattles the woodwork!
That should have been the final nail in Leipzig's coffin.
Wolfsburg's top goal scorer denied by the post, though.
The two-time defending is Leipzig
are not out of the DFB Cup.
We're guaranteed a new champion in Berlin,
but tonight the Wolves are howling for joy on Halloween.