Champions League: Madrid Can Stake Their Claim in Leipzig

RB Leipzig v Real Madrid 

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are back in Champions League action this week when they visit Leipzig, to take on Marco Rose’s Bundesliga giants.

Los Blancos are one of the elite teams in this year’s European competition, and they expect to be there at the business end, and while Leipzig can be a formidable opponent I expect the La Liga leaders to come through over two legs.

Los Blancos made a big statement on Saturday, hammering long-time pacesetter Girona 4-0 to take a five-point lead at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Red Bull Leipzig have been struggling for form recently, and they come into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw away to FC Augsburg, a result that leaves them in fifth place in the Bundesliga table.

If the match goes to form, the Spaniards will take a first-leg lead, but Leipzig have a striker bang in form, and that gives them a fighting chance.

Talking Points

Openda gives Red Bull star quality

Leipzig were under pressure when they met Union Berlin last week, on the back of three consecutive league defeats, and they responded well with goals from Lois Openda and Ben Sesko.

The 20-year-old Slovakian is a real handful at 6ft 4in, but it is Openda who has been ripping it up in the Bundesliga, as well as making plenty of Champions League 2024 news headlines. He scored four goals at the Group Stage as Die Roten Bullen came through Group G as a strong second place finisher, behind tournament favourites Manchester City.

A Belgium international, Openda transferred from Ligue 1 side Lens in the summer, and his form has been better than anyone could have imagined.

As well as his four in the Champions League, Openda scored Red Bull’s first in the trip away to Augsburg to make it 15 for the campaign; only Harry Kane and Serhou Guirassy have scored more. And he seems to be striking up a fine partnership with his Slovakian partner as Sesko scored Leipzig’s second in Augsburg.

Even at home Leipzig will be under the cosh against Los Blancos and, skippered by Hungarian centre back Willi Orban, the hosts’ defence will need to be on their game, while left wingback David Raum will hope to support the attack with his raids down the wing.

Bellingham scare for Los Blancos

Real Madrid’s statement victory over Girona came with a big worry for Ancelotti as star man Jude Bellingham limped off in the second half after scoring a double. The Brazilian duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were both on target in the rout, but it is Bellingham who opponents fear the most.

His goal in each half took the England man’s tally to 20 for the campaign in all competitions, but before his second goal, he looked to be labouring after he twisted his ankle in a tackle with Pablo Torre.

He had treatment and was still too quick for the Girona defence and he tapped in his second, but soon after Bellingham sat on the floor and signalled that he needed to be taken off.

He did manage to walk off the pitch, but gingerly, and Real Madrid’s medical team will take a close look at the star on Monday. Ancelotti will not risk Bellingham if he is in any doubt, as he has the players to hurt Leipzig, and he will want his main man to be available for the La Liga and Champions League run-ins.

The latest Champions League 2024 betting odds make Los Blancos the fourth favourites to win the competition at a price of 6.80, behind favourites Manchester City, FC Bayern and Arsenal. 

History

When the two teams met in 2022, their only previous encounters, they won one match each. Red Bull edged a five-goal thriller in Leipzig after Real had won 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With two wins, two draws, and three defeats from the last seven, the Red Bulls have been struggling for form in recent weeks, and with Borussia Dortmund suddenly finding their form, Rose’s team will struggle to get back in the top four, so Europe brings a nice distraction.

Real Madrid have won five, drawn one, and lost one of the last seven, and even if Bellingham fails to make it, they should continue their strong run.

Betting Tip 

Ancelotti’s team are hot favourites to negotiate this two-leg tie at a price of 1.27, with Red Bull out at 3.32. The visitors are backed to take a lead over Madrid at SBOTOP odds of 2.09, with the hosts at 2.86, and the draw is the least likely outcome at 3.28.

I think Los Blancos will edge it, so I’m going for an away win by the odd goal in three.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.