RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid Match Preview
German side RB Leipzig will host Spanish giants Real Madrid at the Red Bull Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
RB Leipzig made it to the knockout stages as runners-up in Group G behind defending champions Manchester City. They won four games and lost two to earn their 12 points. Overall, they are currently in a pretty bad state as they sit fifth in the German Bundesliga with 37 points from 21 games. They have lost three of their last five games, conceding an alarming 11 goals in the process. Now, they will look to master a turnaround against one of Europe’s fiercest sides.
Real Madrid qualified for the knockout round in style as they topped Group C with a perfect record of six wins in as many games. They scored 16 goals and conceded seven as they make yet another entry into the UCL round of 16. Los Blancos are currently first in La Liga with a five-point lead over second placed Girona. They are unbeaten in their last five games and have scored 12 goals as they look to continue in their rich vein of form.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
RB Leipzig
Manager Marco Rose will have a full squad at his disposal as none of his players have any injuries or suspensions. He has mostly stuck with the same lineup in recent games, barring one or two changes in the front six in the odd game.
Forwards Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda have been in great form for the German side. The former has scored in each of their last three games, while the latter is on a four-game scoring run. Both will look to make a mark against juggernauts Real Madrid.
Predicted XI: Peter Gulasci (GK), Benjamin Henrichs, Lukas Klostermann, Willi Orban (C), David Raum, Kevin Kampl, Xaver Schlager, Dani Olmo, Xavi Simons, Lois Openda, Benjamin Sesko.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti will be without trio Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba, who are all out long-term with cruciate ligament injuries and will likely miss the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, defensive pair of Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez will face late fitness tests as they missed Los Blancos’ 4-0 win over Girona. Jude Bellingham went off injured in their last game as well but that could mainly be precautionary with the games ahead.
The Italian went with an unconventional defensive line against Girona with Aurelien Tchouameni and Daniel Carvajal in central defence. He could be forced to stick with the same lineup.
Predicted XI: Andriy Lunin (GK), Lucas Vazquez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Daniel Carvajal (C), Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.
ALSO READ: Real Madrid vs Girona Player Ratings as Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham Inspire huge victory.
Head-to-Head & Prediction
Head-to-Head Record
- RB Leipzig 3-2 Real Madrid (10/22)
- Real Madrid 2-0 RB Leipzig (09/22)
Since RB Leipzig was founded only 14 years ago, meetings between these two teams have been limited. They made their first appearance in the UCL in the 2017-18 season and have qualified for every edition since.
As you can see, both teams have one win apiece from when they met in the group stages of the 2022-23 edition. However, Los Blancos are a formidable team at home while the Germans had to dig deep to win on their turf.
Considering the form these two teams are in, Real Madrid look like the easy pick for this game.
Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-3 Real Madrid.
Betting Tips
- Over 3.5 Goals – Yes: 2.60
- Match Result – Real Madrid: 2.20
- Anytime Goal Scorer: Vinicius Junior.
Match Odds
- RB Leipzig Win: 3.10
- Draw: 3.85
- Real Madrid Win: 2.20
RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Tuesday, February 13th at 8 PM (GMT).
- India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV app & website.
- UK: TNT Sports.
- US: CBS Sports (English), Univision (Spanish).
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