Youth League: RB Leipzig's Catch-Up Game at Celtic Not Rewarded

Leipzig's U19 team loses 3-1 to Celtic.

Leipzig's U19 team has lost their first game in the UEFA Youth League this season. The young bulls were defeated 3-1 away at Celtic. The Saxons were 2-0 down at half-time after goals from Bosun Lawal and Ben Doak. After the break, Leipzig came back into the game and reduced the deficit through Noah Ohio. However, Celtic restored their two-goal lead through Rory Mahady. As a result, Leipzig is now third in Group F with three points from two games. Celtic leads the table with six points, followed by Real Madrid with four points.

Leipzig started the game well and had the first chance of the game. In the 5th minute, Sidney Raebiger crossed the ball from the right, but Noah Ohio headed over the bar from close range. Celtic took the lead in the 15th minute after a mistake by the Leipzig defense. Bosun Lawal intercepted a pass in central midfield and then played a through ball to Ben Doak, who finished calmly past Josep Maria Cases Mundet. Celtic doubled their lead in the 35th minute after a quick attack down the right flank. Ben Doak crossed the ball into the middle, and Bosun Lawal scored with a header from close range. Leipzig came out strongly after the break and quickly pulled one back. In the 49th minute, Noah Ohio reduced the deficit with a header from a corner by Sidney Raebiger. Leipzig continued to press for an equalizer, but Celtic defended resiliently. In the 75th minute, Celtic restored their two-goal lead through Rory Mahady, who curled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. Leipzig pushed for a second goal in the closing stages, but they were unable to find a way through the Celtic defense.

The defeat leaves Leipzig with work to do in Group F.

The young bulls will need to win their remaining two games against Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk to have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. Celtic, meanwhile, will be confident of reaching the next round after two wins from their first two games. In the other game in Group F, Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk. The result leaves Real Madrid in second place with four points, while Shakhtar Donetsk is bottom of the group with one point.