Real Madrid is looking to continue their perfect run in the Champions League, by winning over RB Leipzig for the first leg of their Round-of-16 meeting. Coming into this match, both Real and Leipzig are impressive during the group stage. Real won their group stage, which is not surprising since they had a perfect run during the group stage. Winning all their matches in the group stage, Real proved why they are the winningest team in the Champions League. On the other hand, Leipzig finished at the second of the group stage, earning just 12 points. Unfortunately for Leipzig, they suffered defeat during their last group stage match, which could have given them momentum here. Real and Leipzig will meet each other on February 14, 2024, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
Real Madrid
Leipzig’s defensive frailties are concerning ahead of Real Madrid’s visit to the capital. Girona has made a significant impact with a record-breaking Jude Bellingham brace. Real Madrid can still complete a treble in the coming months, as they have already displayed a Supercopa de Espana in their 2023-24 cabinet. They have also been one of only two teams to navigate the Champions League group stage without dropping a single point. Real has conceded multiple goals in five of their last seven Champions League matches away from the Bernabeu. This includes shipping two on Napoli and Union Berlin’s turf during their Group C struggles. The first match in that seven-game sequence saw Real Madrid suffer a 3-2 loss on Leipzig’s turf in the 2022-23 group stage, their Champions League dream being crushed by a German outfit since the 2012-13 semi-finals.
Real Madrid is concerned about the fitness of midfielder Bellingham for Tuesday’s match against Leipzig. Bellingham left the field with a sprained ankle, and Brahim Diaz is expected to feature in the number 10. Nacho Fernandez’s expected return ensures one senior centre-back is available for the first leg, with ACL victims Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Thibaut Courtois watching on.
RB Leipzig
In Group G of the 2023-24 Champions League, Man City secured a perfect record of 18 points from six fixtures, while RB Leipzig took the runners-up position. Die Roten Bullen failed to snap Man City’s winning streak, losing 3-1 at home and 3-2 at the Etihad. Leipzig failed to keep a clean sheet in the group phase and only managed 2-1 successes over Red Star and Young Boys. Their European quest ended with an 8-1 aggregate annihilation at Man City in the 2022-23 last 16, and the Bundesliga winter break came at a crucial time for them. Die Roten Bullen face another domestic disappointment, a 2-2 draw away to Augsburg, falling three points behind fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund.
Leipzig coach Rose has a fully-fit squad, but Amadou Haidara is a major doubt due to a minor knee injury. Defensive duo Mohamed Simakan and Benjamin Henrichs are nearing a one-match ban in the Champions League. On the other hand, Castello Lukeba is recalled. Captain Willi Orban is considering a starting role due to his Champions League experience.
Prediction:
Real Madrid (2.0)
Odds: -0.83
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