Real Madrid – RB Leipzig : Preview & Prediction
Real Madrid’s visit to Mestalla last Saturday (Valencia 2-2 RM) ended chaotically and controversially. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano blew the final whistle in the middle of a cross that ended in a Jude Bellingham goal that would have given Los Blancos the win, and Bellingham was shown the red card after the end of the game for angrily claiming that the goal should have gone up on the scoreboard. Despite the draw, Madrid increased their lead over second at the top of LaLiga, giving Carlo Ancelotti’s side peace of mind going into the UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16 second leg against RB Leipzig with a 1-0 lead.
Los Blancos, who have not lost a UCL match at home since their defeat to Chelsea in April 2022 (G9, E1), are looking to extend their perfect record of seven wins in as many European matches this campaign. Madrid’s recent record against German clubs is also very positive, having not lost any of their last eight home meetings (G6, E2). The three most recent matches have all ended in wins and clean sheets, including a 2-0 win over Leipzig last term.
The German side will be looking for a comeback at the Bernabeu, which they visit with the morale boost of having turned around a 1-0 deficit to beat Bochum 4-1 away, earning three very important points to keep them in contention for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga. Marco Rose’s side are still alive in the tie, but the memory of their failure in the last 16 of last season’s UCL, where they lost 7-0 at Manchester City after a 1-1 draw at the Red Bull Arena, may be fresh in their minds.
With two goals scored in each of their three UCL outings this season (G2, P1), the Red Bulls have shown their attacking prowess on the road, but doing so against Madrid is no ordinary challenge. Leipzig arrive at the Coliseo Blanco with a good away record against Spanish clubs, with 3-1 wins over Real Sociedad in the 2021-22 Europa League and 2-1 over Atlético de Madrid in the 2019-20 UCL.
Players to watch: Jude Bellingham has found the net three times in his last five appearances for Madrid, with three of the English ace’s last five goals coming between the 50th and 60th min. Similarly, Loïs Openda has scored between the 55th and 70th minute in two of Leipzig’s three games since the first leg against Madrid.
Series highlight: each of Real Madrid or RB Leipzig’s encounters in the current edition of the UCL has been won by the team that started with favoritism.
Real Madrid – RB Leipzig : Betting Tips
Real Madrid – Win Odds: 1.55
