Leipzig vs Bremen

RB Leipzig’s head coach Marco Rose enters 2025 with a clear intention to silence rumors surrounding his future at the club and steer his side back to victory in the Bundesliga when they host Werder Bremen at the Red Bull Arena on Sunday. The 2024 calendar year has been tumultuous for the manager, with various reports questioning his position following a series of poor performances. However, with a home match ahead, Rose will aim to focus on the immediate task of securing three points to kick-start the new year on a positive note.

RB Leipzig, known as Die Roten Bullen, currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot in the Bundesliga, with 27 points to their name. Despite their strong standing in the league, their recent performances have raised concerns. The most glaring of these was a heavy 5-1 defeat against league leaders Bayern Munich on December 20, 2024, which underscored the gap between the two sides in terms of quality. Leipzig’s loss, while not entirely surprising given Bayern’s dominant form, left Rose’s men with a sense of disappointment, especially considering the manner in which they conceded goals. The match exposed significant vulnerabilities in both attack and defense, as Leipzig faced nearly 3.3 xG (expected goals) from Bayern while managing to create just 0.14 xG themselves. Benjamin Sesko’s early strike in the second minute was their only moment of success, and it highlighted Leipzig’s struggle to generate meaningful attacking threat against top-tier opposition.

The club's struggles had already been apparent prior to this defeat, as they entered a difficult run of form during November. In a six-match span between November 2 and November 30, 2024, Leipzig secured just one draw and suffered five defeats. During this period, they conceded 15 goals while managing only six of their own. It was a run that put Rose under significant pressure, with questions about his future swirling. However, Leipzig’s fortunes began to shift as they entered the final month of the year. They bounced back with three wins in their subsequent five matches, though they still faced setbacks, including a 3-2 loss to Aston Villa on December 10 that saw them eliminated from the Champions League. This defeat in European competition left Leipzig with mixed feelings as they turned their attention back to domestic matters.

Interestingly, Leipzig’s season began on a much more positive note. They boasted a formidable defense early on, securing six clean sheets in their first seven league matches. In this period, they conceded only two goals, a statistic that suggested they were solid at the back and well-drilled under Rose’s leadership. However, since then, Leipzig’s defensive resilience has eroded somewhat. In their next eight Bundesliga fixtures, they managed to keep opponents at bay only twice. Despite having the 10th best attack in the league with 24 goals, Leipzig’s inability to consistently secure clean sheets has left them with an inconsistent record, especially against sides lower in the table. This inconsistency has placed added pressure on the squad as they head into 2025.

Despite these challenges, Leipzig’s home form remains a relative bright spot. While they’ve struggled in recent away matches, they have been more secure on their home turf. In their past 14 league matches at the Red Bull Arena, they have been defeated only once, winning nine times and showing that, at home, they remain a formidable force. However, they will need to address the weaknesses that have plagued them in recent weeks, particularly in terms of their ability to create chances and finish in front of goal. 

Meanwhile, Werder Bremen head into the match on a strong run of form, buoyed by a 4-1 victory over Union Berlin on December 21, 2024. The Green-Whites, under the management of Ole Werner, have been in excellent shape recently, winning their last four Bundesliga matches. This surge in form has seen them rise to seventh in the league with 25 points, just two behind Leipzig. In the victory over Union Berlin, Werder Bremen displayed impressive attacking play, creating five big chances and scoring four goals. However, their defensive performance left some room for concern. Despite winning comfortably, Bremen faced 16 shots from Union, a statistic that may cause concern as they prepare to face a team like Leipzig, which, despite their struggles, possesses considerable attacking threat.

Werder Bremen’s overall offensive and defensive statistics this season show a team that is capable in both areas but not without weaknesses. They have scored 26 goals so far, making them the eighth-best offensive team in the Bundesliga. At the same time, they’ve conceded 25 goals, which ranks them joint 10th in terms of defensive solidity. Their recent form, however, suggests they have been improving at both ends of the pitch. In their last four games, they have kept three clean sheets while also scoring eight goals. This solid defensive improvement will be key as they prepare to face Leipzig’s potent attack.

Bremen’s recent results have highlighted the strengths of their squad, with players like Jens Stage playing key roles in their midfield, providing both defensive solidity and creative impetus. Werner has praised his team’s collective efforts, especially their ability to link up and control possession, which was crucial in breaking down Union Berlin's defense. He noted that Bremen's ability to maintain composure and play effective football when in possession was one of the standout features of their performance. This focus on possession-based play, combined with their solid recent defensive displays, gives Bremen a solid foundation heading into the match against Leipzig.

When it comes to their away form, Werder Bremen has been excellent this season. They have won seven of their ten away matches, with just two losses and one draw on the road. Their recent victories, including a 3-0 win over Stuttgart on December 7, 2024, further bolster their confidence as they head into this clash with Leipzig. Bremen’s away form suggests they will be a tough opponent for Leipzig, especially given the hosts’ inconsistency in recent weeks.

For both teams, this match represents an important opportunity to build momentum heading into the new year. Leipzig, despite their recent troubles, will be aiming to return to their early-season form and secure a vital win to maintain their place in the top four. A win would also give Rose some much-needed breathing room, allowing him to shift the focus away from speculation about his future and onto the club’s aspirations for the remainder of the season. On the other hand, Werder Bremen will look to continue their strong run of form and push for a spot in the upper half of the table. Their away form, in particular, gives them confidence that they can secure a positive result at the Red Bull Arena.

The outcome of this match will have significant implications for both teams. For Leipzig, it could provide a much-needed boost to their confidence and help steady the ship after a turbulent period. For Bremen, it could further solidify their place in the upper echelons of the Bundesliga table and provide them with the momentum to challenge for a European spot. Both teams will be hoping that their key players can deliver on the day, as they look to start 2025 on a winning note and build a foundation for a successful second half of the season.