Victory for the visitors.

The match between RB Leipzig and Real Madrid is a notable clash in the first round of the 16 of the UEFA Champions League 2023/2024 season. The German side will host a top contender for the title, a team that has been a persistent and troublesome obstacle in European competitions for many years.

RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid are playing away in Germany, but they are considered the favorites. However, this is no reason for the Spanish giants to be complacent. Previously, Real Madrid defeated their direct title rivals Girona, but those three points came at a considerable cost.

Jude Bellingham suffered an injury and had to leave the field early, making his chances of playing in the Champions League very low. Brahim Diaz is the most suitable replacement in the attacking midfield position. However, other stars like Vinicius and Rodrygo are still capable of changing the course of the game.

The loss of players in the defense is the real headache for coach Ancelotti. Antonio Rudiger, Militao, and Alaba are still unavailable due to various injuries. However, they will have the services of veteran center-back Nacho Fernandez, who could partner with Aurelien Tchouameni.

On the other side of the pitch, RB Leipzig have no notable absences. However, Mohamed Simakan and Benjamin Henrichs must be careful with every tackle. They will be suspended for the second leg if they receive another yellow card.

Coach Marco Rose has yet to find a way to fill the numerous gaps that frequently appear in the defense. RB Leipzig can concede many goals against any opponent, from strong to weak. This is the problem that has led to their repeated defeats, even though their attack still has decent goal-scoring ability.

RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid form

RB Leipzig are going through a period of instability with 3 losses, 2 draws and only 1 win in their last 6 matches.

Real Madrid won all their matches in the Champions League group stage. Across all competitions, they have won 4, drawn 1, and lost 1 of their last 6 games.

Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-3 Real Madrid

Predicted lineup:

RB Leipzig: Gulacsi; Simakan, Lukeba, Orban, Raum; Olmo, Schlager, Kampl, Simons; Sesko, Openda.

Real Madrid: Lunin; Carvajal, Tchouameni, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga; Diaz; Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo.

Mai Phuong

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