Red Bull Leipzig welcome Kaiserslautern to the Red Bull Arena (Zentralstadion) for this Matchday 12 clash in the 2. Bundesliga. Before the games both teams were locked on 19 points after their first 11 games; each knowing a victory would propel them up to second place. Leipzig, in their first season in the second flight have attracted many plaudits for their style of play, but most noticeably controversy for their ownership style which is frowned upon by many. Both teams come into the match in identical form, both picking up eight points from their last five games.

Leipzig manager, Alexander Zorniger made three changes to his starting eleven that beat Erzgebirge Aue in the DFB Pokal last week; which included several summer signings. Three of these signings; Georg Teigl, Lukas Klostermann and Diego Demme made way for Marvin Compper, Sebastian Heidinger and Joshua Kimmich. Kosta Runjaić, the Kaiserslautern boss, also made three changes; Chris Löwe, Tobias Sippel and Dominique Heintz all coming in for Marius Müller, Tim Heubach and Jean Zimmer.

We would have to wait until the 24th minute for the first real chance of the match; Philip Hofmann was played on side by Tim Sebastian, the German striker turned and unleashed a strong effort but Fabio Coltorti saved well in the Leipzig goal. The Red Devils would trouble again just minutes later in the 29th minute. A corner from the right hand side was met by Willi Orban; whose header could only be stopped by the woodwork.

Throughout the first half, Leipzig failed to provide Poulsen and Frahn with enough service upfront this resulted in very few chances for the home side. Kaiserslautern however grew as th game went on and were unlucky not be infront at half time; but if truth be told they didn't trouble Coltorti enough.

Leipzig would start the second half in better form and would have the first chance; Dominik Kaiser took aim from a costless kick around 30 yards out, his curling effort took a strong hand from Sippel to prevent the opening goal of the game. But as in the first half Kaiserslautern grew into the match and had the next big chance; Hofmann was played in behind the Leipzig defence by Kevin Stöger, Hofmann rounded the keeper but could only managed to hit the post. Not quite as bad as his miss against Union Berlin earlier on in the season!

But unlike in th first half, Leipzig rallied and were unlucky to not take the lead in the 79th minute. After some tenacious play from second half substitute, Terrence Boyd the American international squared for Poulsen who looked set to score; only for Kaiserslautern defender, who somehow managed to block the Danish internationals effort.

But it was the same story as the first half, neither side could trouble the opposition goalkeeper enough and neither deserved all three points. The final score, 0-0. The result sees RB Leipzig move up to 3rd place, climbing above Darmstadt; whereas the visitors from Rheinland-Pfalz remain in 5th place.

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Alex Howell
A writer of football related words. A Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga enthusiast and the only English member of FC Ingolstadt 04 and current producer of content for the official site. Thanks for visiting my profile. Find my twitter @Bundesliga_UK