RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg are set to clash on Wednesday, February 26, at 16:45 (Brasília time) at the Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, during the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal. The match is pivotal for both teams, as they vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the prestigious German Cup.
Both clubs have faced various challenges this season, with RB Leipzig striving to find their footing after recent inconsistent performances. Following a 2-2 draw with Heidenheim and three other recent draws, the team is currently sitting at sixth place with 38 points. Despite these struggles, they have shown promise within the DFB-Pokal, advancing past teams such as Rot-Weiss Essen and Eintracht Frankfurt. Notably, their latest victory against Frankfurt, ending 3-0, showcased their potential to excel when it matters most.
Wolfsburg, meanwhile, is entering this match on the back of five games without defeat. Currently eighth in the Bundesliga with 34 points, they are also focused on claiming the DFB-Pokal following their strong performances against teams like Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim. The team hopes to capture their second title after winning their first during the 2014–15 season.
Each team's history adds intrigue to this matchup. Out of 23 encounters across both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, RB Leipzig leads with 11 victories against Wolfsburg's seven, with five matches resulting in draws. Their offensive statistics are also noteworthy; Leipzig has scored 37 goals compared to Wolfsburg’s 23. The last meeting on November 30, 2024, ended 1-1, reflecting the competitive nature between these two sides.
Both clubs come with notable absentees. RB Leipzig will miss key players such as Benjamin Henrichs, Antonio Nusa, Assan Ouédraogo, and Xaver Schlager due to injuries. The projected lineup for Leipzig features Peter Gulácsi as goalkeeper with defensive support from Klostermann, Orban, Lukeba, and Raum. The midfield may include Kampl and Baumgartner, with Xavi Simons leading the attack alongside Openda and Sesko.
Wolfsburg faces similar challenges, with several players sidelined including Rogerio, Bartosz Bialek, Lukas Nmecha, and Lovro Majer. Coach Ralph Hasenhüttl is expected to field them in either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation, bringing speed and tactical prowess to the pitch. Their last outing resulted in another draw, showcasing their need to capitalize on their chances against Leipzig.
This game, broadcast live on Disney+, promises to be thrilling. Fans are eager to see which club will seize the opportunity to advance, considering both teams' ambitions and the weight of this knockout stage encounter.
The encounter is characterized by its importance not only for cup progression but for maintaining morale as both teams engage with the ups and downs of the league. With offense expected from both sides, predictions suggest possible high-scoring action, as prior meetings have indicated, and pundits are favoring Leipzig due to their home advantage.
Expectations are high for tonight's match and the stakes have never been greater. The outcome could shape the direction of both teams' seasons, adding pressure and excitement as they hope to secure their place among the top contenders for the DFB-Pokal.