Leipzig Defense Fails as Bundesliga Title Slips Away

A disappointing loss to lower table side Mainz over the weekend has thrown RB Leipzig's chances at winning the Bundesliga into doubt. The game that many expect the second place Leipzig to dominate, ended up being far more competitive and Julian Nagelsmann's vaunted defense failed to live up to expectations.

"The defeat is disappointing," said Nagelsmann. "We started well and had the control but conceded an unnecessary goal. After that, despite the changes, we found it hard to get back into the game."

Leipzig took two leads in the game, first through a rare Tyler Adams goal and then again in the 30th minute through an effort from defender Marcel Halstenberg. It wasn't enough as a second half goal sank one of the better defenses in the league, leaving Leipzig seven points off from Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

It was a winnable game for the East German side who had previously dominated Mainz. Much like last year and the year prior, Leipzig have found it difficult to carry their form through to the end of the campaign. And now, they find themselves in a similar position, hoping that they can rely on Munich to drop points in order to return to contention.

"We lacked consistency and you can't win games like that," said midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. "Now we have to make sure we return to picking up points next week."

Leipzig will be back in action on Saturday against much stiffer opposition in Bayer Leverkusen. Any further dropped points could put the league out of reach and give Munich yet another championship in Germany.

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