Dortmund, April 3 (BUS): RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer scored twice and assisted in a third to secure a stunning 4-1 win over second-placed Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, dazzling the hosts’ slim title hopes.
Reuters reported that the result left Dortmund nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich and the 4-1 win over Freiburg, with six games remaining.
Leipzig, who tightened their grip on fourth place with 48 points, scored back-to-back when Laimer hit the ball over goalkeeper Gregor Kopel in the 21st minute to shock the first completely sold-out crowd at Signal Iduna Park in more than two years. .
What was supposed to be a big football party for the hosts, with top striker Erling Haaland in the starting line-up and in front of 81,000 fans, turned into a nightmare when the Austria international added Laimer again with an unexpected shot 10 minutes later.
Frustrated Dortmund, who had two golden chances at the start of the first half with Marco Reus and Haaland, were unable to find a response after the break. Haaland, who sustained an ankle injury earlier in the week while on international duty with Norway, was far from his best.
Dortmund coach Marco Rose said: “We started the game well, and we had a great chance to beat 1-0. Then we lost possession … and the score was 1-0. Then we conceded the second goal.”
“We let in a third, we lost in the second half and then at the end 4-1 was too much. They were more efficient in attack and defense. We shouldn’t talk about the title now. Now we need to analyze what happened and head to VFB Stuttgart. Friday next week and get points.”
Leipzig overcame the match when Christopher Nkunko, who was tucked in by Leimer with the heel of the foot, produced a superb attack to make it 3-0 in the 58th minute.
Substitute Doniel Mallin managed to reduce the difference for a short period in the 84th minute with a header at the far post, but Leipzig responded two minutes later with a Dani Olmo shot from outside the penalty area to achieve a sure victory.