Real Madrid are meeting with RB Leipzig with aims of protecting their lead, to qualify for the Champions League quarterfinals. Real had a narrow 1-0 lead against Leipzig during their first leg, but that lead is not a safe lead. Due to this, Real are looking to protect that lead in this match, and widen their lead against the opponent. Meanwhile, for Leipzig, despite being down by one goal, they cannot lose heart here, as they just need two goals. Unfortunately, Leipzig suffered a defeat on their last match, which does not bring them confidence here. The meeting between these two teams is on March 7, 2024, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, injured due to an ankle injury, scored a sensational solo effort to secure the first leg of their last-16 showdown against Leipzig. Despite conceding several opportunities, Real Madrid’s last-ditch defending and Andriy Lunin’s heroics allowed them to take a narrow advantage. However, Real Madrid has only won one of their subsequent three La Liga matches, a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano and a 1-0 win over Sevilla. In a tie with Valencia, Real Madrid came from 2-0 down to rescue a point, but refereeing controversy arose in the match. Bellingham’s last-gasp header was saved by Diaz’s cross, but the full-time whistle blew, leading to Blancos protests. Real Madrid now seeks to avoid a second exit from 21 Champions League ties in which they have won the first leg, their only previous such elimination came against Ajax in the 2018-19 last 16.
Bellingham faces a domestic reprimand for sending off Valencia, but is fine to line up against Leipzig. Eduardo Camavinga is a starter, and Ancelotti’s only injury concerns are ACL victims David Alaba, Thibaut Courtois, and Eder Militao. La Liga authorities are investigating alleged racist abuse from a child towards Vinicius.
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig must emulate their Eredivisie counterparts to prolong their Champions League journey, as they must emulate their Eredivisie counterparts. Marco Rose’s men could have found a way past the Blancos backline at the Red Bull Arena, but Die Roten Bullen dominated in a 4-1 Bundesliga thrashing of VfL Bochum. Leipzig are still playing catch-up in the top-four race due to an underwhelming winter form. Their victory at Bochum was just a third win from 10 competitive games, and they are one point behind Borussia Dortmund in fifth place in the Bundesliga standings. If their Bernabeu comeback mission fails, they face a third last-16 exit in four seasons. On their only previous trip to Real Madrid’s turf, they succumbed to second-half strikes from Federico Valverde and Marco Asensio in a 2-0 loss.
RB Leipzig’s head coach Rose will face suspension due to French defender Mohamed Simakan’s third booking in the tournament. Simakan started on the bench against Bochum, while midfielder Xaver Schlager returns from a Bundesliga suspension. Austria international Xaver Schlager is expected to be recalled, and Hotshot Openda will replace Christoph Baumgartner.
Prediction:
Real Madrid (1.5)
Odds: -0.85
Real Madrid to win 2-1 on aggregate
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