RB Leipzig opened their pre-season schedule with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Regionalliga Northeast outfit VSG Altglienicke, handing new manager Martin Demichelis a winning start to his tenure.
The friendly marked the Argentine’s first appearance on the touchline since taking charge of the two-time DFB-Pokal winners. Leipzig, who will compete in the Champions League this season after missing out on European football entirely last term, used the fixture to rotate their squad extensively across both halves.
Gruda strikes before Altglienicke reply
Brajan Gruda, now a permanent signing following his loan spell, opened the scoring for the Bundesliga side. The breakthrough came against the fourth-tier hosts, who demonstrated resilience by finding an equaliser before the half-time whistle.
Demichelis altered his entire line-up during the interval, introducing fresh legs for the second 45 minutes. It was substitute Johan Bakayoko who settled the contest, netting early after the restart to secure the narrow triumph.
Recruits await debuts
Recent signings Maxime Estève and Rocco Rietz were present with the travelling party but did not feature in the match. The pair watched from the sidelines as Demichelis utilised the friendly to assess his existing options and build match fitness ahead of the competitive season.
Competitive bow approaches
The success serves as the first step in Leipzig’s preparations for the demanding campaign ahead. The Saxony club now face Eintracht Trier, a fixture that will represent Demichelis’s competitive managerial debut.
That encounter provides the final opportunity for tactical refinement before Leipzig open their Bundesliga account against Borussia Mönchengladbach. The club will be targeting a strong start to domestic proceedings as they aim to re-establish themselves among Germany’s elite and secure consistent Champions League qualification.