After two consecutive away defeats, the hunger for three points was intense. But RB Leipzig II were no easy opponents, especially considering one of only three defeats last season where in Leipzig. However, Sunday's match showed something different. Much to the delight of the travelling Viktoria fans, who were singing loudly.
Strong Start Against Leipzig
Viktoria had been struggling with several absentees recently. Last year’s top scorer Aylin Yaren was added to the list of unavailable players after the match against Hertha BSC. But Viktoria adapted well, with the attacking trio of Nina Ehegötz, Danya Barsalona, and Kim Urbanek driving the team forward with pace and determination.
The sky blues started as usual, dominating possession, while Leipzig applied early pressure and stayed close to the Viktoria players. Despite this, Viktoria managed to break through the opposition's lines and won their first corner early on. Vanessa Lux fired a shot from long range, marking the first real chance of the game (3').
Barsalona Puts Viktoria in Front
Viktoria continued to control the game, but lacked luck in front of goal. Nina Ehegötz was involved in almost every attack, popping up all over the pitch, tracking back to help in defence, and initiated many attacks. She also had a couple of chances herself but missed the target (13'). Katja Friedl (21') and Marlies Sänger (38') did the same, but Viktoria kept pushing for the first goal.
Just before half-time FC Viktoria took the lead. Danya Barsalona was in the right spot to tap in a cross from the left (40'), her second goal of the season.
Buchholz’s Moment of Brilliance
Viktoria came out of the dressing room with even more intensity and attacking play. The first chance after the break was for Viktoria. From then on, it was one-way match for a long time. Ehegötz narrowly missed with a header, which was brilliantly saved by Leipzig goalkeeper Eve Böttcher (49'), and Sänger sent a shot just out wide (70'). Despite numerous chances, the score remained 1-0.
In the closing stages, Leipzig became more aggressive. They pressed high and stayed tight on Viktoria’s players, creating a few chances of their own. Viktoria keeper Inga Buchholz pulled off an incredible save. With a quick reaction on the goal line she denied Mia Werner's shot in the 80th minute, preventing the equaliser.
After the recent away defeats, this 1-0 victory at RB Leipzig was a crucial win. Not just for Viktoria's league position but also for the team’s confidence. Viktoria Berlin now sits in second place in the Regional League Northeast table with 15 points out of seven games. They trail Union Berlin by three points, who remain at the top.
In two weeks, on October 22nd, Viktoria returns to their home ground at Stadion Lichterfelde. The opponents will be Carl-Zeiss Jena II, who are currently fourth in the table, with one game and two points less than Viktoria.
Line-up:
Buchholz - Grosch (83' Hahn), Höfker, Lux, Trapp - Gerken, Friedl - Barsalona (1-0, 71' Wasiak), Sänger, Ehegötz - Urbanek (83' Casanovas).
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