On paper, Real Madrid versus RB Leipzig is a colossal mismatch. Madrid has 14 Champions League trophies, Leipzig has zero. Madrid’s squad is full of some of the biggest stars in the game, Leipzig’s squad is mainly up-and-coming youngsters. Madrid is first in La Liga, Leipzig is fifth in the Bundesliga. Madrid reached the semis of the Champions League last year, Leipzig was eliminated in the Round of 16.
When the two sides took the field in the Champions League Round of 16, it was a completely different story. Leipzig thought they had an early lead when Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško scored just two minutes in, but the goal was ruled offside. The Bundesliga side continued to threaten Los Blancos, peppering Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin with shots. Then, heartbreak: a brilliant solo effort from Brahim Diaz gave Madrid the lead and they held on for the win.
While there is still a second leg to be played, some think the tie may be over already. After all, overcoming a deficit in the Champions League at the Bernabéu is no easy task. However, Leipzig has a great chance of shocking Madrid.
The Hungarian Stars Are Back
This season, Leipzig has been missing two key veterans: Hungarian internationals Willi Orbán and Péter Gulácsi. Gulácsi, the club’s starting goalkeeper, suffered a major cruciate ligament injury back in October 2022 in the Champions League, while center-back and captain Orbán suffered a torn knee ligament on international duty with Hungary.
While their replacements — Janis Blaswich and Castello Lukeba — filled in well, it was obvious they were missing the experience and leadership of Orbán and Gulácsi. This was especially evident in the four-game winless streak just before Gulácsi returned, while Orbán only played the final five minutes of the fourth match.
Thanks to the Hungarian duo, Leipzig was able to hold Madrid to just one goal, with Orbán in particular playing well. They will be crucial for the second leg as Leipzig needs to silence Vinicius Jr. & co. if they want to have any chance of victory.
Madrid’s Depth (Or Lack Thereof)
While Leipzig has crucial players returning after injuries, Madrid continues to lose players and depth.
When the second leg kicks off on March 6th, Antonio Rüdiger will likely be back from injury, as will midfielder Jude Bellingham. However, Madrid will still be missing Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, and Éder Militão at least. Several other players have picked up minor injuries and with their luck this season, they could be without more players ahead of the second leg.
Then there’s the problem of attackers. Right now, Madrid has Vinicius, Rodrygo, Joselu, and Brahim Díaz. Jude Bellingham has been able to excel in attack from midfield, but that’s basically it. Outside of those five, not one Madrid player has scored multiple goals in the Champions League. Almost all of their attacking options off the bench are largely unproven talents like Nico Paz.
Of course, Real Madrid still has a very strong attack. Vinicius and Bellingham are two of the best players in the world, Rodrygo is a very good player, Brahim Díaz has flashes of brilliance, and Joselu is good. However, it’s not as strong as previous Madrid attacks — which is why Los Blancos want a certain Frenchman — and there are not many players they can turn to on the bench.
Leipzig’s Attack
Leipzig’s attack has been inconsistent this year. They scored three or more goals in five of their first six games, and have scored five or more goals twice this season. However, they’ve also been shut out on five occasions, including the first leg against Real Madrid (although they were unlucky not to score).
Make no mistake, though: Leipzig has a strong attack. Xavi Simons is a generational talent, while Lois Openda has hit the ground running after his big-money move from Lens. Midfielders Christoph Baumgartner and Eljif Elmas are both capable of changing the game off the bench, while Spanish international Dani Olmo is returning to full health after some bad injury luck.
Leipzig manager Marco Rose has two options to start at striker alongside Openda: Benjamin Šeško and Yussuf Poulsen. Šeško is a more physical, target-man option next to the pacy Openda, but he has struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score against Madrid with six shots. The other option is Poulsen, who isn’t as physically imposing nor as skilled as Šeško but is intelligent and experienced.
While Šeško perhaps didn’t have the most efficient night in the first leg, he is probably the striker Rose will choose. His physicality combined with Openda’s speed and knack for goals will be crucial in the second leg.
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Image Courtesy of Bundesliga.com.
