LEIPZIG (Interstat) — RB Leipzig opened its Bundesliga season with a 2-1 victory over Saint Pauli on Saturday at Red Bull Arena, getting goals from Xaver Schlager, Willi Orban and substitute Abdoulie Ceesay in a match that saw the home side control the game but survive a late push from the visitors.

Schlager broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, finishing a buildup that included an assist from defender Castello Lukeba. The goal came just before halftime, giving Leipzig a 1-0 lead after a first half that saw only one yellow card, issued to Lukeba in the 19th minute for a tactical foul.

Leipzig doubled its advantage early in the second half. Orban scored in the 54th minute, with midfielder Christoph Baumgartner providing the assist. Baumgartner received a yellow card four minutes earlier in the 50th minute, but that did not prevent him from playing a key role in the attack.

Saint Pauli, playing its first match of the Bundesliga campaign, struggled to generate consistent chances but found a lifeline in the 86th minute. Substitute Ceesay scored to cut the deficit to one goal, giving the visitors hope of a late equalizer. However, Leipzig’s defense held firm in the closing minutes to secure the win.

The result left Leipzig with a 1-0 record in both Bundesliga and all competitions, while Saint Pauli fell to 0-1. The match was the season opener for both clubs.

Leipzig’s midfield was effective in controlling possession, with Schlager dictating tempo and contributing the opening goal. Orban, a veteran defender, added a second goal with a well-placed finish. Ceesay’s late strike was Saint Pauli’s lone goal, coming after he entered the match as a substitute.

Lukeba and Baumgartner each recorded an assist, marking their contributions to the attacking buildup. The yellow cards for both players did not deter them from being involved in the offense.

Saint Pauli’s defense was tested throughout the match, particularly on set pieces and transitions. The visitors managed to limit Leipzig’s chances for stretches but were undone by two goals in a nine-minute span early in the second half.

The match drew a crowd at Red Bull Arena, which opened its doors for the first home game of the season. Leipzig’s supporters saw their team start the campaign on a positive note after a promising preseason.

Leipzig’s substitutes provided depth, with Ceesay’s goal showing the team’s attacking options off the bench. Saint Pauli also made changes in the second half but could not find an equalizer.

The match’s key moments included Schlager’s goal just before halftime, Orban’s strike early in the second half and Ceesay’s consolation goal. The yellow cards for Lukeba and Baumgartner were the only cautions issued.

Leipzig’s coach managed the game effectively, making substitutions to preserve the lead after Ceesay’s goal. Saint Pauli’s attempts to push forward left gaps but Leipzig’s defense, anchored by Orban and Lukeba, remained organized.

The result was in line with projections from Interstat’s game simulator, which predicted a 2-1 final score favoring RB Leipzig. Interstat’s ELO system gave Leipzig a 76.10 percent probability to win the match.