RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Here is our preview of Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 clash between RB Leipzig and Real Madrid, including predicted lineups.
The Bundesliga outfit have had a rather unconvincing start to 2024, losing three of their five Bundesliga games since the turn of the year.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have won four of their last five and are coming off a 4-0 win over title rivals Girona.
With Die Roten Bullen facing one of the main contenders for the Champions League, RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose is full of respect for his opponents.
But as he pointed out at a press conference on Monday, that's not the same as being afraid.
"We're looking forward to the match in our stadium. That's what we worked on all last season. We're talking about Real Madrid, one of the strongest teams in Europe. They've developed outstandingly over the year. They're in exceptional condition in all areas," Rose said, as quoted by the club.
"Real play very flexibly and a lot on the wings. I'm also particularly impressed that they fight for every meter without the ball and are willing to defend together in a compact manner. Madrid is a team that knows how to win the Champions League.
"But we also have great footballers in our ranks. We will give everything and look for our chances with the ball. We want to fight back and we're certainly not afraid."
Amadou Haidara (knee) is the only absentee for Leipzig.
Real Madrid will definitely be without Thibaut Courtois (knee), Eder Militão (knee), David Alaba (knee) and Jude Bellingham (ankle), while Antonio Rüdiger (knee) and Nacho Fernandez (muscular fatigue) are doubtful.
Click here to see our predicted RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid lineups.