RB Leipzig Advances to DFB-Pokal Quarter-Finals Amid Fan Tragedy
LEIPZIG – RB Leipzig defeated 1. FC Magdeburg 3-1 on Wednesday, securing a place in the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal, Germany’s premier domestic cup competition. The match, played before a crowd of 40,000, was tragically overshadowed by the death of a Magdeburg fan following a cardiac event in the stands.
The victory underscores the important gulf in class between the Bundesliga’s runners-up and a team currently in the second tier of German football. However, the result is deeply marred by the loss of the FCM supporter, prompting an outpouring of condolences and raising questions about stadium safety protocols. Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, but authorities confirmed the fan received immediate medical attention before being pronounced dead.
The match itself saw 1. FC Magdeburg take an early lead through a penalty converted by Gnaka in the 11th minute. RB Leipzig quickly responded with goals from Nusa (19th minute) and a brace from Baumgartner (30th and 54th minutes), the latter’s second goal coming after a stepover and assist. A late goal from Andrija Maksimovic was disallowed for offside.
Lineups:
* RB Leipzig: Vandevoordt – Klostermann (46. Nedeljkovic), W. Orban, Lukeba, Raum – Seiwald – Banzuzi (46. Schlager), Baumgartner (88.A. Maksimovic) – Diomande (66. Gomis),Harder,Nusa (82.Finkgräfe)
* 1. FC Magdeburg: Reimann – musonda (82nd Diawara), Mathisen (46th Geschwill), To.Müller, Nollenberger – Gnaka, F. michel, ulrich (71. Ghrieb), Pesch (59. Bockhorn),Atik – Zukowski (59.M. Breunig)
Felix Zwayer of Berlin served as the match referee. Yellow cards were issued to Banzuzi (RB Leipzig, two cautions), Mathisen, and F. Michel (both 1. FC Magdeburg).
The DFB-Pokal quarter-final draw will be held on Thursday, determining RB leipzig’s next opponent in their pursuit of a second cup title. The competition continues with heightened sensitivity following Wednesday’s tragic events.
