European Battle Adds Spice To Fiery Leipzig-Borussia Dortmund Clash

RB Leipzig host Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with possible Champions League qualification at stake in what has become one of the Bundesliga's bitterest rivalries in recent years. Fourth-placed Leipzig sit two points clear of Dortmund in fifth, with only the top four clubs guaranteed Champions League football next season -- although Germany may snare a fifth spot in the new UEFA qualification system thanks to strong European performances. The rivalry between the sides has been fierce ever since Leipzig were first promoted in 2016.

At Leipzig's first match in Dortmund, the famous Yellow Wall unveiled a banner calling the Red Bull-owned newcomers "the shame of the league", while around 2,000 fans marched through the city before the game in protest.

Both sides' claims to being the next best after Bayern Munich were dealt a blow by Bayer Leverkusen's stunning title run this season, but Leipzig and Dortmund can still be regarded as next in line for the throne.

Since Leipzig were promoted to the first division ahead of the 2016-17 season, only once has neither finished second behind Bayern.

Schalke, now in the second tier, finished runners-up in 2017-18, with Dortmund coming second four times and Leipzig twice in that time.

Other than Bayern, Leipzig and Dortmund -- both Champions League regulars -- have performed best in Europe's premier competition.

Leipzig made the Champions League semi-finals in 2019-20 and Dortmund are through to the last four this season.

Speaking with AFP and other media on Thursday, Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko said his side were raring to go.

"I always look at each game like it's my last.

"But in this situation, you know what you're playing for. For me, it's not even pressure, it's more motivation.