RB Leipzig is into the DFB-Pokal final for the third time in four years after a dramatic stoppage-time header from Emil Forsberg sealed a 2-1 comeback win over Union Berlin.
For a while, Union themselves looked on course for next month’s final after taking a 25th-minute lead.
But Leipzig fought back in the second half and sealed progress at the death.
During the first half of a few chances, Union proved the more clinical as Sheraldo Becker guided home.
But there were warning signs from a Leipzig side that dominated possession.
And parity was restored by an Andre Silva penalty in the 61st minute.
When extra-time seemed to beckon, Forsberg nodded in to spark chaos in the Red Bull Arena.
As tight as the early exchanges were, Union looked good value for their 25th-minute lead, as Becker met Christopher Trimmel’s brilliant right-wing cross at the back post with a composed first-time finish across goal.
Leipzig should have levelled eight minutes before the break, but Silva shot wide from 14 yards.
The hosts then got lucky just before the hour, as Taiwo Awoniyi stumbled at the crucial moment.
When seemingly destined to turn in Becker’s pass, Leipzig capitalised soon after.
Paul Jaeckel clumsily tripped Christopher Nkunku in the box, and Silva picked out the top-right corner with his spot-kick.
Leipzig’s desperate late flurry looked as though it would be fruitless, but Henrichs whipped an inviting left-footed cross in from the right, and Forsberg rose from the crowd to head into the top corner.
What does it mean? Tedesco has Leipzig on the edge of a new frontier.
It might sound surprising, given Leipzig has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent clubs since their promotion in 2016, but they do not have a major trophy to their name – even their ascension to the top flight came as runners-up.
They came close to Pokal’s success in 2019 and again last year but lost out to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, respectively, in those finals. However, this time they will undoubtedly be favourites.
Their final opponents, Freiburg, have enjoyed a remarkable campaign. Still, Leipzig will be fancied by most to finally claim their first major trophy, even if most of the German football will be rooting against Domenico Tedesco’s men.
Orban is reliable as ever:
Forsberg will get the plaudits, but Leipzig’s dominance would not have been possible without Willi Orban providing a calming presence at the back.
Union’s dynamic front two caused problems, but Orban was solid, winning 13 duels (out of 15).
His ten clearances were also more than anyone else.
Frustration for Awoniyi:
As lively as the Union forward was, Awoniyi will be frustrated with his day.
Particularly when he stumbled while trying to turn in Becker’s pass.
He finished with 0.65 expected goals (xG), second only to Silva – but could not find the target.
What’s next?
Freiburg awaits in the final on May 21 for Leipzig, but first, they will hope to seal UCL football.
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