Leipzig secured a 2-1 victory against promoted Heidenheim on Saturday, with goals from Lois Openda and Yussuf Poulsen propelling them to the fourth spot on the Bundesliga table, surpassing Borussia Dortmund.
Leipzig took an early lead with Openda converting from the penalty spot, marking his 10th goal in 13 league matches this season. Poulsen extended the lead just before halftime, capitalising on David Raum's efforts.
Heidenheim manager Frank Schmidt acknowledged his team's struggle in the first half, but they quickly retaliated, with Benedikt Gimber tapping in a goal after a corner.
Despite memories of a midweek loss to Manchester City after giving away a two-goal lead, Marco Rose's side secured their fifth home win of the season against the determined promoted side.
Poulsen remarked, "We had so many chances to score; we should have killed the game earlier today."
In another Bundesliga fixture, Borussia Monchengladbach secured a 2-1 victory against Hoffenheim at home, with Nathan Ngoumou scoring the late winner set up by left-back Luca Netz.
Alassane Plea gave Gladbach the lead with a penalty, but Wout Weghorst equalised just 90 seconds later. Bochum secured their second win of the season, defeating Wolfsburg 3-1 at home, opening a crucial gap in the relegation zone.
Bochum took a two-goal lead with goals from Patrick Osterhage and Bernardo, and despite Wolfsburg pulling one back through Mattias Svanberg, Christopher Antwi-Adjei sealed the win with a goal in the closing minutes.
Wolfsburg midfielder Yannick Gerhardt expressed disappointment in their away form, describing it as a "catastrophe."
Stuttgart has the opportunity to strengthen their top-four position when they face Werder Bremen later on Saturday. Bayern Munich's home game against Union Berlin was postponed due to heavy snowfall.
On Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen aims to extend their lead atop the table with a win at home against Dortmund.
