Leipzig vs Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League
Round of 16
Tuesday
13th February 2024
Red Bull Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Champions League fixture between Leipzig and Real Madrid.
Leipzig vs Real Madrid: Preview
Leipzig form analysis
RB Leipzig had a mixed group stage campaign in the Champions League this season. They began strongly by beating Red Star Belgrade 3-1 at home thanks to goals from Raum, Simons and Olmo, despite briefly letting their lead slip. Leipzig continued this promising form in their next European match, winning 1-2 away against Red Star courtesy of another Simons strike and Openda’s second half effort. However, their progress stalled after twice letting the lead slip to lose 2-3 at home against Manchester City, despite an Openda brace putting Leipzig 2-0 ahead early on.
Needing a result in the final game, they secured qualification by beating Young Boys 2-1 at home. After Šeško opened the scoring, Leipzig again struggled to hold onto their lead as Colley equalized before Forsberg popped up with a late winner. Overall, it was an inconsistent group stage from manager Rose’s new-look Leipzig side, who dominated matches in spells but struggled to control proceedings across both boxes at times.
Real Madrid form analysis
Real Madrid endured a tricky Champions League group stage as defending champions. After letting an early lead slip to beat exciting Napoli 3-2 away thanks to goals from Vinícius Júnior, Bellingham and a late Meret own goal, Real continued their winning start by edging past Sporting Braga 2-1 away with efforts from Rodrygo and Bellingham. They maintained this momentum by comfortably dispatching Braga 3-0 at home in their next European match courtesy of strikes from Brahim Díaz, Vinícius and Rodrygo.
However, their progress stuttered as they were pushed hard by Napoli at home, eventually running out 4-2 winners in a thriller as Rodrygo, Bellingham and late goals from Paz and Joselu saw off the Italians after letting another lead slip. Needing a result to guarantee top spot, Real dug deep again to beat Union Berlin 3-2 away, coming from behind twice before Ceballos netted a late winner after Joselu’s brace had put them ahead. Overall, it’s been an unconvincing but successful group stage from manager Ancelotti’s seasoned stars.
Leipzig vs Real Madrid: Prediction
The last five Champions League games at this venue have witnessed an average of 3.6 goals. This figure in Real Madrid’s last five away games is 4. Anything but a low scoring game should be expected from this fixture.
Die Rotten Bullen have lost in a home knockout fixture just once in their history. On the other hand, Real Madrid’s recent away form in cup fixtures hasn’t been the best either. Soone should expect the hosts to put up a tough fight against the mighty Madridistas.
