RB Leipzig are through to the Champions League semifinals for the first time in their history, after a surprise 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
Although its a remarkable achievement for the Bundesliga club, many will no doubt be asking "RB Who?"
Photo via Getty Images
You can be forgiven for not knowing much about them, because they are relative newcomers compared to the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
So new in fact, that the club in its current form was founded just 11 years ago, when energy sports drink behemoth Red Bull bought over the playing rights of fifth-tier side SSV Markranstädt.
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Thanks to their parent company's massive financial backing, the newly-rebranded RB Leipzig went on to play its way up the German football league system, until finally winning promotion to the Bundesliga, where they finished third last season. (Thus earning them qualification into the current Champions League campaign)
Incidentally, this is what has also made Leipzig the team some German fans love to hate, accusing it of 'buying' its way to success.
Photo via Reuters
Regardless of the sentiment, Leipzig have had quite a journey over the past decade or so.
To put things into perspective, here's a simple timeline showing their progress over the years.
2009: Founded
2010: Promoted to the 4th division
2013: Promoted to the 3rd division
2014: Promoted to the 2nd division
2016: Promoted to the Bundesliga
2017: Qualified for the Champions League for the first time
2020: Through to the Champions League semifinals.
Their fairy-tale is not over yet, though.
Leipzig will play PSG next Wednesday (August 19) for a place in the Champions League final...and potentially, a place in the history books.
By: Nicholas John
