Ten man RB Leipzig ease past St. Pauli | OneFootball

In the first five minutes, Leipzig’s Péter Gulácsi had to make a smart save as Eric Smith’s free kick almost caught him out.

During the 14th minute, St. Pauli hit the post as RB Leipzig's Gulacsi was forced to parry a near-own goal from Castello Lukeba onto the woodwork.

During the 16th minute, Benjamin Šeško made it 1-0 to the hosts as a fast-paced Leipzig counter sees Xavi finding the Slovenian who cut past a defender and struck the ball into the right corner.

This goal marks Šeško's first since January in the league, and Leipzig's first lead in a Bundesliga game since a 3-3 draw away at Bochum in January.

During the 32nd minute, Xavi found the run of roaming full back David Raum, but the German international was unable to make anything of the chance.

Minutes later, Xavi doubled Leipzig's lead as he finished off a brilliant move after a no look reverse pass from striker Benjamin Šeško was met beautifully by the Dutchman in the box into the bottom left corner.

In added time of the first half, St. Pauli hit the woodwork once again as Noah Weißhaupt hit the crossbar with a volley.

Around the hour mark, Elias Saad's shot was cleverly blocked by Nicolas Seiwald to prevent a shot on target.

During the 69th minute, Willi Orban cynically took out Pauli's Elias Saad just outside the box and was sent off as he was the last defender.

Following this, Kevin Kampl was brought off for defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu to see out the victory.

During the final minutes of normal time, St. Pauli piled on the pressure with Jackson Irvine heading towards goal to be denied by Leipzig's Gulacsi.

In the 93rd minute, Loïs Openda missed what should have been a third for Leipzig with a huge chance as he rushed towards goal following a Xavi pass only for consecutive efforts to be blocked and stopped by St Pauli's defence.

In missing this chance, Openda ensured the game finished 2-0 for the hosts.