BERLIN, Dec. 16 -- The breath-taking development of RB Leipzig gives way for bold dreams in East-Germany. In its fourth year in the Bundesliga, the club has developed to a promising candidate able to win the national title, aside from the newest achievements in the Champions League.
Now a serve challenge is waiting when Rasenballsport is crossing swords with one of the countries established forces such as Borussia Dortmund this Tuesday evening.
Leipzig striker Timo Werner is convinced the outcome of the Bundesliga's top act on matchday 16 could decide about the German title.
The duel could turn lights to green for one of the biggest surprises in German football history. "This game is about a lot. It could set the signs for the rest of the season," the German international commented. The forward called the duel a "six-point" game.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann said an "interesting advantage is waiting in case we win this."
Midfielder Konrad Laimer said his side is ready to face the challenge as "we enter this clash with the good feeling of having won all of our last six games."
What speaks for the challenger to continue its stunning upswing?
With Nagelsmann in charge, RB is not only the league's best away-team but has gained efficiency and experience. In 15 games, the side scored 42 goals, the best figure of all 18 first division teams.
The 32-year-old coach and successor of Ralf Rangnick added robustness and stability to Leipzig's traditional fast-forwarding style.
German international Lukas Klostermann is convinced "we have gained stability and act far more callously."
RB sports director Markus Kroesche believes "the pressure is on Dortmund. We can do a significant step forward while they have to catch up."
Taking the three points on the Bundesliga's weekly match day could provide a gap of seven points on Dortmund for Leipzig.
Looking at the battle over RB Salzburg's spearhead Erling Haaland Nagelsmann said the game's outcome could be "a fact to consider for him." The Norwegian attacker is in negotiations with Leipzig and Dortmund about a transfer this winter.
Both clubs though face international rivals such as Manchester United and Spanish clubs.
Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff expressed the club's new ambitions and said times are over "as we had to hide behind teams like Dortmund. If you want to end up as first at the end of the season you have to win there."
Within ten years, Leipzig promoted from the fifth division to the Bundesliga. The team has grown together as six players in the current squad were part of the team that made their way from the third to the first division.
In 2016 Leipzig's second division squad was worth around 20 million euros. Now media reports speak of over 200 million.
What speaks against Leipzig winning its first title?
The club hasn't been very successful when facing the leading clubs such as Bayern Munich and Dortmund. In nine games against Bayern, RB could only win one, in six against Dortmund only two.
It seems Bayern and Dortmund used to games under high pressure than Leipzig.
Things have changed Kroesche is claiming. "We have proved in the Champions League this season we are ready for important games. Currently we enjoy our upswing."
Nagelsmann added it is time to win some silverware and said RB intends to "close spaces for Dortmund."