Welcome to the anticipation-filled clash at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid brace themselves to host RB Leipzig in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 encounter of the 2023-24 season. With Real Madrid clinching a slender 1-0 victory in the first leg courtesy of Brahim Diaz's decisive strike, the stakes couldn't be higher for both sides.
The first leg showcased a fierce battle, with Leipzig demonstrating their attacking prowess with 9 shots on target, keeping the pressure on the Madrid defence throughout the match. However, Real Madrid's resilience and Diaz's clinical finish ultimately tilted the scale in their favour.
As the teams gear up for the crucial second leg, all eyes will be on Santiago Bernabeu, where Madrid will look to capitalise on their home advantage and secure their ticket to the next round.
In the upcoming clash, Real Madrid's defensive lineup is set to receive a significant boost with the return of Antonio Rudiger, fortifying their backline alongside Nacho, enhancing their solidity at the back. As a result, Aurelien Tchouameni is anticipated to revert to his customary midfield role, injecting stability and control in the centre of the park.
However, Madrid's squad is not without its setbacks, as Jude Bellingham and Joselu are expected to be sidelined due to injuries, depriving the team of their talents for this critical fixture. In midfield, Toni Kroos is poised to feature alongside Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, offering a blend of experience and dynamism.
In the attacking department, despite Brahim Diaz's impressive form and knack for scoring pivotal goals, the starting nod is predicted to go to Rodrygo, partnering Vinicius Junior to spearhead Madrid's offensive manoeuvres.
Rudiger returns and will 100% start.
Predicted Lineup: Andriy Lunin, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
As RB Leipzig gear up for the crucial second leg against Real Madrid, they are poised to unleash their attacking prowess with lethal forward Sesko leading the charge. Despite his opening goal in the first leg being disallowed, Sesko remains a potent threat, capable of turning the tide in Leipzig's favour with his clinical finishing.
Another key figure in Leipzig's offensive arsenal is Lois Openda, whose prolific goal-scoring record in the Bundesliga speaks volumes about his ability to find the back of the net consistently. With four goals in five Champions League games this season, Openda poses a significant threat to Real Madrid's defence.
In midfield, Xavi Simons is expected to play a pivotal role, providing creativity and crucial assists to unlock Madrid's defence. Additionally, Leipzig's defensive unit, which impressed in the first half of the first leg by stifling Madrid's attacking efforts, is likely to maintain its resilience, providing little room for Madrid to manoeuvre.
Openda, Sesko and Simons are key players.
Predicted Lineup: Peter Gulacsi, David Raum, Willi Orban, Lukas Klostermann, Mohamed Simakan, Xaver Schlager, Benjamin Henrichs, Xavi Simons, Dani Olmo, Benjamin Sesko, Lois Openda.
Real Madrid are boosted by the return of Antonio Rudiger and will maintain their defensive solidity, but RB Leipzig's attacking prowess, led by Sesko and Openda, will keep them on their toes. Expect attacks from both sides as seen in the first leg where Leipzig fired 14 shots while Madrid had 15 shots.
However, with home advantage and a determined midfield trio of Kroos, Valverde, and Camavinga, Real Madrid will edge past Leipzig.
Overall, expect an intense and closely contested match with Real Madrid securing their spot in the next round of the UEFA Champions League.