DFB-Pokal | Quarter-Finals

Feb 26, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Red Bull Arena

RB Leipzig vs Wolfsburg

Match preview

The triumph over Frankfurt was a much-needed response from Leipzig, who went into the game under increasing pressure after a six-game winless run that included five defeats, the most damning of which was a crushing 5-1 home defeat to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

That result sparked speculation over Rose's future, but the cup victory set the scene for a revival in form, with five wins in their next seven matches.

However, Leipzig's inconsistencies have resurfaced, with just two wins in their last nine matches - a 2-2 draw last time out was the Red Bulls' fifth stalemate of the campaign, resulting in a drop to sixth in the table.

While the pain of the humiliating defeat to Wolfsburg lingers, RBL are also seeking redemption after being knocked out of last season's DFB-Pokal by Wednesday's opponents, losing 1-0 in the second round at the Volkswagen Arena.

The setback ended Leipzig's hopes of lifting the trophy for a third successive season, having won the previous two editions, and has only served to fuel their desire for revenge in midweek.

Despite their recent success against the hosts, Wolfsburg have never won a DFB-Pokal match away from the Red Bull Arena, losing all three previous visits, including their most recent defeat at this stage in 2020-21.

Adding to their concerns is a poor record in the competition, having failed to reach the semi-finals since lifting the trophy in 2014-15.

Like Leipzig, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side had little trouble progressing to the quarter-finals with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Hoffenheim.

Similarly, Wolfsburg have struggled for consistency of late, with just one win in their last six matches - a run that includes four draws and a solitary defeat.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw at home to relegation-threatened Bochum is the latest in a string of frustrating results that have left them eighth in the Bundesliga table.

Recent Performance

RB Leipzig DFB-Pokal form:WWW

RB Leipzig form (all competitions):DLDWDD

Wolfsburg DFB-Pokal form:WWW

Wolfsburg form (all competitions):LDDDWD

Team News

Leipzig will be without Benjamin Henrichs (Achilles tendon) and Forzan Assan Ouedraogo (hamstring), while Xaver Schlager and Antonio Nusa are both out with knee injuries.

Maarten Vandevoordt, who has played exclusively in this competition, could return between the sticks.

Up front, Sesko and Openda are likely to lead the attack in a two-man midfield, while a possible four-man midfield could see Amadou Haidara come into the side if Christoph Baumgartner fails to recover from the knock that forced him off last time out.

Wolfsburg have a number of injury concerns, including the absence of Rogerio and Niklas Klinger.

With Kamil Grabara still nursing a hamstring problem, Marius Muller will continue in goal, while Mattias Svanberg and Aster Vranckx could retain their places in the midfield partnership in the absence of the injured Maximilian Arnold,

Hasenhuttl is likely to stick with Jonas Wind and Mohamed El Amine Amoura up front, while Kevin Paredes, Bartosz Bialek, Lukas Nmecha and Lovro Majer remain in the treatment room.

Possible starting lineup

RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:

Vandevoordt; Raum, Lukeba, Orban, Lukeba, Baku; Simons, Haidara, Kampl, Seiwald; Openda, Sesko

Wolfsburg possible starting lineup:

Muller; Fischer, Vavro, Koulierakis, Maehle; Tomas, Svanberg, Vranckx, Wimmer; Wind, Amoura