After the difficult defeats against Bayern and Real Madrid, Leipzig have responded with two consecutive victories, including a hard-fought 2-1 win over Rot-Weiss Essen to reach the DFB-Pokal round of 16.

The Bundesliga and Champions League remain difficult, maybe impossible, but the Pokal offers a different opportunity. Leipzig have already shown in previous seasons that they know how to win this competition.

Two assists against Elversberg, but I think what impressed me most was his decision-making. We've always known how dangerous Nusa can be in one-on-one situations, but he's starting to understand when to take his opponent on, when to release the ball, and, most importantly, how to stay consistent throughout the games.

For Gomis' goal, he used his strength to beat his defender before finding his teammate in space. For Rômulo's goal, it was a completely different action, recognising the striker's movement and playing the pass through the defensive line.

Yan Diomande may have left RB Leipzig, but his performances in a Leipzig shirt could still play a major role in deciding the next Kopa Trophy winner.

Lamine Yamal remains the player to beat, but Diomande's season at Leipzig deserves recognition. Could it be enough to deny Yamal a third consecutive Kopa Trophy? 

The heavy defeats against Bayern and Real Madrid showed just how much work remains for Martín Demichelis.

The coach knows he needs convincing performances, and fast, because the club's management may not back him for much longer.

I think the defeat against Bayern was somewhat expected. Despite the improvements we've seen in recent weeks, Leipzig still look far from ready to compete with Europe's biggest teams.

There's some progress under Martín Demichelis, but the Bayern game was a reminder of how much work is still needed.

After the 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, the questions around Michu's future are back.

Should Leipzig stick with Demichelis and use the international break to reset, or is it time for a change?

RB Leipzig will travel to Essen for the second round of the DFB-Pokal, with Rot-Weiss Essen standing between them and a place in the next round.

One week after dismantling Gladbach, Leipzig lost 3-1 to Werder Bremen in a performance that raised far more questions than it answered.

With Rocco Reitz sidelined through injury, Neil El Aynaoui could be in line to start for Borussia Mönchengladbach in their next game against Werder Bremen. 

The Moroccan midfielder only joined Leipzig from AS Roma on Tuesday, but his profile could make him a natural option in midfield. Martin Demichelis has also confirmed that Reitz’s absence leaves him with several options to consider, including El Aynaoui.

RB Leipzig have presented their squad for the 2026/27 Champions League campaign. Here’s the full list of players registered for their European adventure: