Champions League Round of 16: Real Madrid – RB Leipzig

Real Madrid once again are among the top favourites to win the Champions League. With Ancelotti´s men also on track to win La Liga again as well. The first game result was a very pleasing one for the Spanish Giants, especially with the injury problems they have been facing recently. They will look to finish the job in Madrid but Leipzig still can be a dangerous opposition. 

Real Madrid team News

Real Madrid finally saw their injury list decrease with only long term injured Alaba, Courtouis and Militao set to miss the return with RB Leipzig. Ancelloti will be especially happy to welcome Jude Bellingham after the English prodigy missed the first game due to an ankle injury. 

RB Leipzig team News

RB Leipzig only miss Klostermann because of injury as the German defender is out with a hip injury. However, Simakan will be suspended for the game because of the amount of yellow cards he has picked up in this year’s Champions League. The German side will hope that Openda and Xavi Simons will be on fire for tonight’s game to be able to salvage a result from the difficult tie. 

Real Madrid Form

Real Madrid are undefeated in 9 games, with their last loss coming in the copa del rey against Real Madrid in extra time. Their last defeat in 90 minutes came also to Atletico Madrid back in the Wanda Metropolitano all the way back in September. Including the extra time loss followed a 29 game unbeaten run that has seen Real Madrid easily progress through their Champions League group and take control in the Spanish La Liga. 

RB Leipzig Form

Leipzig are very difficult to gauge this season, with some great performances then followed by unexplainable losses. Since the winter break Leipzig only managed to win 3 out of their 8 Bundesliga games, with 1 draw and 4 losses not being the best of runs. However their last 3 games have given some hope, with 2 strong wins against Gladbach and Bochum and a injury time loss away from home against Bayern. However, to go through to the quarter finals, they would need a significant improvement in their recent performances. 

What do the stats say?

• Leipzig only managed 2 clean sheets in 10 games since the winter break
• Leipzig scored 15 goals and conceded 18 goals in their last 10 games, averaging 3.3 goals per game. 
• 7 out of the last 12 games of Real Madrid have seen 4 goals or more. 

Our verdict

RB Leipzig will have to seek the attack to be able to score the goal they need to advance through while Madrid with Vinicius and Rodrygo on the counter a deadly duo we can see this game having a few goals. Especially now Real Madrid have everyone back in form at midfield and attack. Leipzig´s exciting forwards will hope to propel their team into the quarter finals and score some goals. 

Over 2.5  Yes.