Openda and Poulsen score as Leipzig beat Heidenheim to fourth place

Leipzig took the lead from the penalty spot, Openda winning and converting for his 10th goal in 13 league matches this season. Poulsen doubled up for the hosts shortly before half-time taking advantage after wing-back David Raum beat two defenders. "In the first half we were like a rabbit in front of a snake," admitted Heidenheim manager Frank Schmidt. His side hit back immediately after, Benedikt Gimber tapping in through a crowded penalty area after a corner.

The goal would have raised some bad memories for the home side, who gave away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at European champions Manchester City in midweek. But Marco Rose's side dug deep against the energetic promoted side, chalking up a fifth win of the season at home. "We had so many chances to score, we should have killed the game earlier today," said Poulsen.

Borussia Moenchengladbach needed a late winner to beat Hoffenheim 2-1 at home, left-back Luca Netz setting up Nathan Ngoumou for the winner with 10 minutes remaining. Brought down in the box by former Liverpool centre-back Ozan Kabak midway through the second-half, Gladbach's Alassane Plea converted a penalty to give the home side the lead.

The visitors equalised just 90 seconds later however, with one-time Man United striker Wout Weghorst heading in from close range. Elsewhere, Bochum won just their second match of the season, beating a disappointing Wolfsburg 3-1 at home to open a welcome gap from the relegation placings. Bochum ran out to a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Patrick Osterhage and Bernardo, but Wolfsburg pulled a goal back later in the first half through Mattias Svanberg.

Christopher Antwi-Adjei scored the winner with three minutes remaining, continuing Wolfsburg's horrid form away from their Volkswagen Arena home, with just one win from seven games. "Our away form this season has been a catastrophe," said Wolfsburg midfielder Yannick Gerhardt. "I'm sorry for the fans who travelled to see it".

Later on Saturday, Stuttgart can consolidate their place in the top four when they host Werder Bremen. Bayern Munich's home game against Union Berlin was postponed earlier Saturday due to heavy snowfall. Bayer Leverkusen can go five clear atop the table with a win at home against Dortmund on Sunday.

 

December 2, 2023