Bergamo benefits as RB Leipzig suffers defeats, due to the absence of Sesko and Simons
In a tightly contested pre-season match at the Red Bull Arena on August 2, 2025, RB Leipzig faced Atalanta Bergamo. The German side started strong, with Xavier Openda scoring the opening goal after just 12 minutes. However, a late comeback by Atalanta saw them emerge victorious, with goals by Scamacca and Bernasconi securing a 2-1 win for the Italian team [1].
The first half saw Leipzig's defense, comprising David Raum, Ridle Baku, Castello Lukeba, and Willi Orban, harmonising well. A lead-up from a corner kick resulted in Openda's goal, with Christoph Baumgartner providing the cross [2].
Ole Werner fielded a mix of experienced players and young talents, with the starting lineup featuring the likes of Vandevoordt in goal, Baku, Orban, Lukeba, and Raum in defense, and Schlager, Seiwald, Diomande, Bakayoko, Openda, and Baumgartner in midfield and attack [1].
The second half saw a change in momentum, with the Leipzig team struggling to gel. Misunderstandings in the attacking play resulted in limited chances for the home side. At halftime, Werner made changes, giving Ezechiel Banzuzi, Max Finkgräfe, and Andrija Maksimovic their first Arena appearances [3].
Key moments included a crucial save by Atalanta's goalkeeper, Marco Sportiello, who denied Leipzig from extending their lead to 2-0. Giorgio Scalvini had a chance for Atalanta in the 48th minute, but Peter Gulacsi made a last-second save [4].
The match was attended by 20,087 spectators, with promising performances from young players such as Nusa and Banzuzi, signalling potential and youth integration under the new coach [3]. Despite the loss, post-match reactions highlighted that the team showed promise and potential in this pre-season test, and the result should not be overemphasised at this stage of preparation [5].
Notably, Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons did not play for Leipzig, with both players linked with moves to England. Chelsea are reportedly in talks for Simons, while Newcastle United have made an official €80m offer for Sesko [6].
[1] Leipzig vs Atalanta Bergamo: Match Report [2] Leipzig vs Atalanta Bergamo: Key Moments [3] Leipzig vs Atalanta Bergamo: Young Players Impress [4] Leipzig vs Atalanta Bergamo: Post-Match Reactions [5] Leipzig vs Atalanta Bergamo: Potential and Promise Despite Loss [6] Transfer News: Sesko and Simons Linked with Moves to England
Football continues to be the focus in European-leagues, with the Premier-league being no exception. Reports suggest that Leipzig's young talents, Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, are being courted by English clubs, with Chelsea and Newcastle United reportedly interested.
