RB Leipzig edged past VSG Altglienicke 2-1 in their first pre-season clash under new boss Martin Demichelis, but the performance raised concerns about their readiness for the new campaign. Goals from Brajan Gruda and Johan Bakayoko sealed the narrow win in Markranstädt, where just 1,500 fans watched. Leipzig currently sit third in the Bundesliga with 65 points from 34 games last season (20W-5D-9L), 24 points behind leaders Bayern München.

What happened in the match?

Both sides struggled for rhythm in the opening exchanges. Altglienicke, one of the Regionalliga Nordost’s title contenders, pushed hard but Leipzig looked sluggish after just five training sessions under Demichelis. The new Argentine’s aggressive, high-tempo style only flickered into life in patches during the second half. Demichelis went all-out with his squad rotation, handing debut minutes to youngsters Suleman Sani, Tidiam Gomis and Samba Konaté.

Leipzig’s backline leaked avoidable errors. Altglienicke equalised from one such lapse before Bakayoko’s 71st-minute effort rattled the crossbar. The Ivory Coast winger then restored the lead in the 51st minute, capping a nervy but ultimately successful outing.

Why Leipzig’s display should worry fans

Last season’s numbers tell a mixed story. Leipzig scored 66 goals but conceded 47, ending with a +19 goal difference. They finished third on 65 points, 24 adrift of Bayern. Their final Bundesliga game ended in a 1-4 hammering by SC Freiburg on 16 May 2026. Recent form reads two wins and two losses in the last four (LLWW), with the last two results defeats.

Demichelis admitted after the match that Leipzig must raise their intensity and pressing. Defensive sloppiness and disjointed build-up play suggest the side still has work to do before the August restart. Youngsters Konaté and Gomis flashed promise, yet consistency remains elusive.

What’s next for RB Leipzig?

The priorities are clear: shore up the defensive shape and embed Demichelis’s faster, more aggressive brand of football. The pre-season grind continues ahead of the Bundesliga curtain-raiser at home to Union Berlin on 16 August 2026. Fans will be hoping for a sharper display than last term’s third-place finish despite a potent attack.

The Altglienicke clash served as an early warning. Demichelis must quickly mould his squad into the high-octane unit he envisions if Leipzig are to challenge for the title or at least secure Champions League football. The clock is ticking ahead of kick-off.