RB Leipzig faced a challenging match against Holstein Kiel on Saturday, April 19, 2025, ending in a 1:1 draw that had fans on the edge of their seats. The game, held in front of 45,940 spectators, saw Leipzig struggle to find their rhythm, especially after a harrowing incident involving goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
In the first half, Holstein Kiel shocked the home team by taking the lead just before halftime. Shuto Machino scored in the 44th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Leipzig, leaving the home crowd in disbelief. The goal was Machino's eighth of the season and highlighted Leipzig's vulnerability, especially given their missing key players such as Xavi Simons, Willi Orban, and David Raum.
As the second half unfolded, Leipzig appeared to regain some control, but the match took a dramatic turn in the 62nd minute. Gulacsi collided with Kiel's David Zec in a desperate attempt to clear the ball. Both players went down hard, and the scene was unsettling as they remained motionless on the ground. Medical staff rushed to the field to attend to them, and it was later confirmed that Gulacsi suffered a concussion and a right ear injury that required stitches.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Gulacsi was conscious and able to communicate briefly with the team's goalkeeper coach before being transported to the hospital on a stretcher. "Pete is conscious, and it’s a good sign that he was able to speak with our goalkeeper coach," said interim coach Zsolt Löw after the match. "But we need further examinations to ensure there are no lasting effects. We hope he can return to us quickly without any permanent damage."
Gulacsi’s injury cast a shadow over the match, but Leipzig managed to find a way back into the game. In the 74th minute, Benjamin Sesko converted a penalty after being fouled by Holstein goalkeeper Thomas Dähne. This goal not only salvaged a point for Leipzig but also kept their hopes alive for a Champions League spot. However, the performance was far from satisfactory, with sporting director Marcel Schäfer criticizing the team's lack of focus. "In the Bundesliga, you have to be alert every minute. That was simply not enough and not mature enough for the Champions League," he remarked.
With the draw, Leipzig maintained their fourth place in the league standings, thanks in part to Mainz's 2:2 draw against Wolfsburg, which prevented Mainz from overtaking them. However, the focus remained on Gulacsi's health, as both he and Zec were required to go through the German Football League's protocol for head injuries before being cleared to play again.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere was mixed. While fans were relieved by the late equalizer, the concern for Gulacsi loomed large. His absence in the upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt on April 26, 2025, is uncertain, and the team will have to rely on backup goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt, who stepped in after Gulacsi’s injury.
Vandevoordt received praise from coach Löw for his performance under pressure, stepping into a challenging situation without a proper warm-up. "Maarten did a very good job coming in under such circumstances," Löw noted.
As RB Leipzig looks ahead, they will need to address their defensive frailties and find a way to maintain their position in the league while ensuring the health and safety of their players. The upcoming week will be crucial for the team as they prepare for their next match without one of their key players, hoping for a quick recovery for Gulacsi.
