- Nagelsmann's people despaired of the Spurs throughout the match
- The German, on penalty, put the only goal in one way that could be decisive
RB Leipzig achieved a very prestigious victory by defeating (0-1) Tottenham, current runner-up in Europe, in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 thanks to a goal by Timo Werner from the penalty spot, although the Germans deserved better luck and have achieved a wider income.
The team led by the young Julian Nagelsmann, revelation in the Bundesliga last and second season today, was absolute dominator of the match and put the ropes against the London team, especially in the first half. Between Schick and scorer Werner, the defense of the 'Spurs' did not live his best night and ended up blushing.
At the first minute the Leipzig warned with a shot that ended at the base of the post and at the quarter of an hour came the second attempt with another throw that touched the stick. The intentions were clear from the beginning before the conformism and helplessness of the locals, who again missed their two best players: Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
The Germans, with less possession of the ball in the second round, were more practical and evidenced the multitude of defensive problems of the Mourinho team. Werner had a great time in the Tottenham area and ended up finding the prize when game time was around. On this occasion, his partner Laimer was the great protagonist.
Davies pounced on him and ended up overwhelming the Leipzig player. The referee did not hesitate and pointed out the penalty point. Werner was right and the 'Spurs' reacted quickly. His best argument was the former Betis, Lo Celso, who led the list of occasions with two shots from the front and a foul that stopped Gulacsi with mastery.
This logical reaction of the Londoners came while Leipzig did not finish hitting the key to crush his rival and achieve what would have been an almost definitive result. Schick forgave the second with a shot in the heart of the area and Poulsen could have nailed the stake to his opponent if he had been faster in the prolongation time.
The second of the Germans did not arrive, but neither did the Tottenham tie, which has greatly complicated their survival in the best competition in the world. The English will have to turn Germany upside down if they want to repeat, at least, their performance in the 'Champions' last year.
DATA SHEET
– OUTCOME: Tottenham 0-1 Leipzig (Werner 58 'p.)
–TOTTENHAM: Lloris, Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies, Winks, Gedson (Ndombele 64 '), Lo Celso, Dele Alii (Lamela 64'), Bergwijn and Lucas Moura.
–LEIPZIG: Gulacsi, Mukiele, Klostermann, Halstenberg, Angeliño, Sabitzer, Laimer (Forsberg 83 '), Ampadu, Nkunku (Haidara 64'), Schick (Poulsen 77 ') and Werner.
–REFEREE: Cüneyt Çakir. Yellow card with Sabitzer, Werner and Nkunku in Leipzig; and Lo Celso, Davies and Lamela in Tottenham.
–STADIUM: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.