Having been on Red Bull’s radar since 2006, RasenBallsport Leipzig, formerly known as SSV Markranstadt was taken over by the energy drinks company in 2009. At the time, Leipzig were languishing in the fifth tier of German football, but massive investments from their new owners, as well as a delicately poised plan which involved the development of young players, has seen Leipzig make its way into the Bundesliga.
The “RB” in the club’s name is commonly referred to as Red Bull with many suggesting that “RasenBallsport” is somewhat of a decoy name to ensure the club fits under the Red Bull’s Sports umbrella.
RasenBallsport Leipzig are piling on the pressure as their win against Darmstadt last time out saw them keep pace with league leaders Bayern who have a slender two-point lead over the newly-promoted side.
Having gained three successive promotions since 2013, the Red Bull-owned club has already begun staking their claim in the Bundesliga seeing as their yet to taste defeat in the German top flight. Alongside Cologne, Leipzig has conceded the second least goals in the league so far (6) a tally only bettered by league leaders Bayern (5).
Up front Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side have bagged 17 goals spread across eight players – Bayern of course, have scored more than their “title rivals” (23) and evidently boast of a better lineup but Leipzig’s efficiency is something that can’t be overlooked.
In a similar vein as Leicester in the Premier League last season, Leipzig are still vastly underrated as far as the title is concerned. They’re expected to drop off at some point in the season with Dortmund finding their way back to second place, but it’s highly debatable whether der BVB is actually in the title race.
Bayern’s monopolistic dominance in the German top flight has made it difficult for the likes of Dortmund and Leverkusen to taste league glory in quite some time – perhaps with Red Bull’s financial backing, Leipzig will be able to challenge for the title, but an upset seems unlikely this term.
Ancelotti’s side is stocked with some of the best players in Europe; it’ll be an arduous task for Leipzig to win games at the rate Bayern does, and at some stage, you can expect RB to drop points.
Next season will be entirely different as the club will probably make some big name signings in a bid to launch a viable title challenge hence Leipzig could potentially be the side that overthrows Bayern, perhaps not this season, though.
