The first clashes of this years round of 16 see Real Madrid take on RB Leipzig. The Spanish league leaders travel to Leipzig for the first game where they hope for a better result than the last time they traveled to Leipzig. In the 2022/2023 group stage RB Leipzig thanks to a Timo Werner goal in the 81st minute beat Real Madrid 3-2. However, all the 3 goal scorers for Leipzig that day have left the club, with Werner at Tottenham, Nkunku at Chelsea and Gvardiol at Man City. 

Leipzig team News

Leipzig welcomed goalkeeper Gulacsi and captain Orban from injuries over the last week Also Haidara has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations but has sustained a knee injury which will likely keep him outside of the starting 11 in the first match. Apart from Haidara trainer Marco Rose can work with a full squad ahead of the game against Madrid. Something that he will need given that Real Madrid have only lost 1 of their last 15 matches against German opposition in the Champions League. A loss that came to Leipzig in 2022 in the group stage. 

Real Madrid team news

Star boy Jude Bellingham will be missing the game in Leipzig after suffering an injury on Saturday against Girona. However, with Vinicius in good form, they will hope to have enough attacking prowess left to perform in Germany. The real trouble for Real Madrid is at the back, with Militao and Alaba out with long term injuries and also Rudiger not making the squad for the last 16 tie. Against Girona the back 4 was formed by Lucas Vazques,Tchouameni,Carvajal and Mendy, which looks the most likely line up for tuesday night as well. Definitely not ideal but Real Madrid will focus on its midfield and attacking strength to get a result . 

Leipzig form

Leipzig would have wished for a more convincing build up to their crucial home game against the spanish giants. Die Roten Bullen only managed to win one of their last 5 games in the Bundesliga. Conceding 11 goals but also scoring 2 goals in each of their last 4 games. It seems that the leaky defence has cost them dearly. 

Real Madrid form

Real Madrid come into the match brimming with confidence. A very convincing 4-0 victory over Girona finishes a series of 9 victories and 1 defeat against Aletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. They waltz full steam ahead in La Liga where it looks like its theirs to lose now and will take this confidence going into the Champions League as they will have their eyes on winning the double yet again. 

What do the stats say?

• RB leipzig have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 games
• RB Leipzig have conceded 11 goals in their last 5 matches
• Real Madrid have scored 2 goals or more in 8 of their last 9 games
• The last match up between the 2 teams finished in a 3-2 home win for RB Leipzig

Our Verdict

We think that there will be goals tonight. As mentioned before both teams have gone over 2.5 goals in 4 of their 5 last games. With Real Madrid attack on fire but their defence wiped out, we definitely see both teams score goals tonight. With odds of 1.7 we think this could be a good bet. 

Bet: Over 2.5   Yes

Champions League Round of 16: FC Copenhagen – Manchester City

The second clash of the night sees defending champions Manchester City take on Danish Champions FC Copenhagen. Manchester City cruised through their group, picking up all possible 18 points by beating RB Leipzig, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade both home and away. Especially the double victory against RB Leipzig will have given Guardiola´s men confidence. Copenhagen, after winning 3 qualification rounds were put in a group with Galatasaray, Man United and Bayern Munich. Surprisingly, the Danish side managed to stay ahead of both Galatasaray and Man United, especially thanks to a heroic home victory against Manchester United(4-3) and an impressive 0-0 draw away against Bayern Munich. 

Copenhagen Team News

Copenhagen have quite a few injuries to deal with. Sander, Boilesen and Khocholava will all not play because of injuries whereas Lerager will miss the game due to a suspension. Meling is als doubtful as he has sustained a muscle injury which could keep him sidelined from the game. 

Manchester City Team News

Manchester City can work with a fully available squad to the tie in Copenhagen. Haaland has returned from a 2 month injury that saw him miss the entire month of December and most of January. With the norwegian striker back on track with scoring goals following his brace against Everton it looks like nothing is in his way of continuing his impressive Champions League goal scoring record. 

Copenhagen Form

Copenhagen their last competitive game was their 1-0 home win against Galatasaray in the Champions League Group stage in December. With the Danish league cup on winter break the team have played several friendlies and participated in the atlantic cup with other scandinavian teams with mixed results. Picking up wins against Elfsborg and Aarhus but losing against Sparta Prague and Brondby. 

Manchester City Form

Manchester City are in incredible form, winning their last 10 matches in all competitions.The last time the Citizens did not win was in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace almost 2 months ago on the 16th of December. Since then, 2 wins in the Fifa Club world cup, 2 FA Cup wins and a 6 match victory streak in the Premier League mean that Guardiola´s side are back on track for a domestic double. 

What do the stats say?

• Manchester City have won their last 10 matches
• Manchester City have won 8 of their last 10 last 16 matches(2 draws)
• Last season this fixture ended in 0-0 
• Manchester City beat Copenhagen 5-0 at home last season

Our Verdict

It is difficult to see past Manchester City for this game. With the current form they are in and the return of Haaland and de Bruyne it seems a nearly impossible task for Copenhagen to get any result tonight. However, their 0-0 draw against Manchester City at home in last years champions league edition will give them hope for tonight.  With the odds for Man City sitting very low at 1.24 it is not the most attractive match to bet on. However, if you feel Manchester City will fulfill the role of favourites you can definitely give it a shot.