Following a controversial 2-2 draw in La Liga, Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League as they take on RB Leipzig in the 2nd leg of the round of 16.
Match details
Date: Wednesday, 6th March 2024
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Matchday: Round of 16, 2nd leg
Time: 22:00 CEST
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Match preview
A brace from Vinícius Júnior helped Real Madrid share points with Valencia in their last La Liga match, although the ruling out of the final second header by Jude Bellingham must have left their supporters highly dissatisfied.
The victory still has kept the Merengues in a comfortable position as far as the league table is concerned, holding a significant league over the other three teams in the top four.
But now, the club will have to shift the attention to the Champions League as they come up against RB Leipzig and hold a slender 1-0 lead over the German side.
In the 1st leg, a wonder goal by Brahim Díaz in the 2nd half gave Los Blancos the lead. Andriy Lunin gave a performance to remember, making 9 saves in the match to prevent the home side from scoring. Since then, the Ukrainian has been an undisputed starter over Kepa Arrizabalaga.
RB Leipzig, on the other hand, since the defeat in the 1st leg have won games against Borussia Mönchengladbach and most recently against VFL Bochum. The Germans also lost 2-1 against Bayern Munich.
Loïs Openda, Benjamin Šeško, and Xavi Simons form an in-form Leipzig attack, with the three of them being the most involved on the attacking front for the German side.
As far as injuries are concerned, center-back Lukas Klostermann will miss the fixture, and right-back Mohamed Simakan is suspended. Castello Lukeba and Benjamin Henrichs are expected to be their replacements.
For Ancelotti’s men, Jude Bellingham will make a return to the lineup after being out of the 1st leg due to injury. In the 1st leg, Real Madrid lacked an attacking threat and were unable to penetrate the Leipzig defense until Brahim’s goal. Jude’s return is thus a welcome boost for Ancelotti.
The European giants are made for nights like these and they are very well aware of how to win such games. Leipzig are expected to come out all guns blazing since they trail by only a goal. The Bernabeu faithful and fans around the world should expect this fixture to be a cracking one.
