RB Leipzig extended their record unbeaten run against promoted Bundesliga sides to 39 matches as a brace from Christoph Baumgartner secured a 2–1 victory over Köln at the RheinEnergieStadion.

Both teams started brightly and created early openings. Leipzig goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi was called into action inside four minutes, reacting well to keep out Said El Mala’s effort. At the other end, Yan Diomande worked space for a shot but fired over the crossbar.

El Mala went close again midway through the first half, dragging a tight-angle attempt narrowly wide, while Leipzig continued to look dangerous from set-pieces. A cleverly worked corner found Xaver Schlager unmarked in the box, but a miskick allowed Köln to escape.

The visitors made amends soon after. David Raum delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the area, where Baumgartner rose highest to head past the onrushing Marvin Schwäbe, giving Leipzig yet another opening goal — their 18th in 21 league matches this season.

Despite leading at the break, Leipzig were mindful of recent slips after taking the lead, and those concerns resurfaced early in the second half. Just five minutes after the restart, Köln drew level as Isak Johannesson slipped Jan Thielmann through, and the winger produced a superb finish into the top corner, leaving Gulácsi with no chance.

Leipzig’s response was immediate. Schlager threaded a precise pass into Baumgartner, who turned sharply and rifled a powerful strike off the near post and in to restore the visitors’ advantage and complete his brace.

Baumgartner’s influence wasn’t limited to the attacking end. Late on, he produced a crucial goal-line block to deny Thielmann a second goal, with replays showing the ball deflected onto his arm — though no penalty was awarded.

Substitute Antonio Nusa nearly sealed the win moments later, rattling the post, but Leipzig held firm through the closing stages. The victory lifts the Red Bulls back into the Bundesliga top four, while Köln were denied a third consecutive home win.