The victory gives Leipzig a firm grip on one of the two places that means advancement to the round of 16 from Group G. The Germans have six points from three games, and are now five points down on both Red Star and Young Boys. Topping the group on a maximum of nine points is Manchester City, who claimed another victory on Wednesday, 3-1 away to Young Boys.
Cannon shot
Emil Forsberg played from the start in Leipzig and was also involved in the 1–0 goal. The Swedish national team midfielder started the roll-up of the Red Star defense when he delivered the ball to Xavi Simons whereupon the Dutchman in turn set David Raum free. The German left-back found the gap between the legs of Omri Glazer in the visitors’ goal to give the home side a fair lead.
For Emil Forsberg, it was over after just under an hour. Forsberg barely had time to settle into the substitutes’ bench before Xavi Simons offered the evening’s popsicles. The long-range shot was as quick as it was precise and drilled its way beautifully into the far cross to make it 2-0.
Heavy for Celtic
Röda Stjärnan made a match of it when Marko Stamenic pushed in the reduction in the 70th minute. But instead of an equaliser, it was another goal for the home team. Dani Olmo made it 3-1 from a corner in the 84th minute to secure three vital points for Leipzig.
Gustaf Lagerbielke’s Celtic have a tougher road to the playoffs. 2-2 at home to Atlético Madrid – Lagerbielke was not substituted – certainly provided the first point of the group stage. But Celtic is still jumbo in Group E, and four points separate Atlético in second place.