RB Leipzig pile pressure on leaders Bayern Munich as Dominik Szoboszlai stars in Stuttgart win
- Seb Sternik
- 27 January 2023
RB Leipzig have closed the gap at the top of the Bundesliga to one point following a nervy 2-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart.
Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai was the star of the show as his double extended Leipzig's unbeaten run to 16 games across all competitions.
The 22-year-old is becoming an invaluable member of the squad having already produced 13 assists and scored four goals for Die Roten Bullen this season.
Marco Rose's men are quickly emerging as Bayern Munich's prime title rivals as the points difference at the top of the table continues to narrow.
When the league resumed a fortnight ago, Leipzig were five-points behind the defending champions. Should fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt stun the Bavarians on Saturday, Leipzig will find themselves just one point behind after 18 rounds.
Rose prised his side for their efforts against a resilient Stuttgart outfit, saying: "We're happy with the three points. Stuttgart demanded everything from us; this is the Bundesliga and every game is difficult.
"We wanted to extend our unbeaten run to 16 and that's what we managed to do. We're doing well at the moment, so compliments to my team."
Match-winner Szoboszlai, who earned plaudits for his free-kick goal, added: "My goal was just to help the team today, whether with goals or assists.
"I have David Raum to thank for my free kick goal. He told me that I should shoot in a way that makes the ball dip just in front of the keeper. That's what I did and it worked out well.
"We're focused on ourselves and we're looking ahead. We want to carry on as we have been doing."
Leipzig are currently second in the standings, though they could be knocked down to third should Union Berlin prevail against arch-rivals Hertha on Saturday.
