RB Leipzig open their Bundesliga campaign under new boss Martin Demichelis with a fixture that has historically been a cagey affair — four of the last five meetings have seen two goals or fewer, including two nil-nil draws. Gladbach travel with notable absentees in attack, missin…
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Sign inRB Leipzig kick off the 2026/27 Bundesliga season at home to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday afternoon, with new head coach Martin Demichelis taking the reins for the first time in a competitive fixture.
Leipzig parted ways with their previous coach after a third‑place finish last term and moved swiftly to install Demichelis. The Argentinian inherits a side that has lost central defender Yan Diomande to Real Madrid in a big‑money transfer, but he has also been handed an immediate attacking boost. Christopher Nkunku is back at the club and fit to face Gladbach, giving Demichelis a proven creator and finisher to build his attack around. The sale of Diomande leaves a void in the back line, but the squad otherwise enters the opener at full strength.
Borussia Mönchengladbach travel to Leipzig without the off‑field spotlight, but they carry the quiet ambition of a side eager to climb the table. The Foals will aim to frustrate a Leipzig team that is still bedding in a new tactical identity under Demichelis. While Gladbach’s summer business has not generated the same headlines, their opening‑day record away from home has often been built on defensive organisation and quick transitions – qualities that could test a Leipzig defence missing Diomande’s presence.
Leipzig report no injury concerns beyond the Diomande departure. Nkunku is expected to feature after a full pre‑season, and Demichelis has a settled group to choose from. For Gladbach, no fresh absentees have been flagged ahead of the trip, and they are likely to name a side built around defensive solidity and counter‑attacking width.
The return of Nkunku gives Leipzig a focal point who can both drop into midfield to link play and penetrate the penalty area. Gladbach’s centre‑back pairing will need to stay compact and avoid being dragged out of position, because Nkunku’s movement between the lines can create space for Leipzig’s wide forwards. How well Gladbach handle that dynamic could shape the contest.
A positive result would give Demichelis early momentum before the Champions League draw injects further excitement into the season. For Gladbach, leaving with a point – or more – would announce their own intent right from the start.
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