Real Madrid topped Group C convincingly, while RB Leipzig secured the second spot in Group G behind Manchester City. Leipzig faced expected challenges from Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade in Group G, with Manchester City dominating the group with a perfect record.
Leipzig couldn't halt Manchester City's winning streak, suffering defeats both at home and away to the reigning champions. However, they managed victories in their other group stage fixtures, though not without defensive vulnerabilities.
Their qualification for the knockout stages marks a redemption opportunity after last year's disappointing exit, losing heavily to Manchester City. The Bundesliga winter break didn't come at the best time for Leipzig, who experienced a slump in domestic form before a recent victory over Union Berlin.
However, they enter the first leg against Real Madrid on the back of a draw against Augsburg and facing defensive concerns, having struggled to keep clean sheets in Champions League home fixtures.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, demonstrated dominance in both domestic and European competitions. They comfortably topped their group, conceding goals in several away matches but managing victories nonetheless.
Real Madrid's recent encounters with German teams in the Champions League have been mixed, but they remain a formidable force in the competition, aiming to add to their already impressive trophy cabinet this season.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Leipzig's head coach Rose has a nearly full squad to choose from for Tuesday's match, but there are concerns about Amadou Haidara's availability due to a minor knee injury.Defensive players Mohamed Simakan and Benjamin Henrichs are both at risk of suspension if they receive one more booking in the Champions League, but Simakan, who played in all group stage games, is likely to be back in the starting lineup.
Castello Lukeba is another player expected to return, while captain Willi Orban, who missed the group phase due to a knee injury, is back to strengthen the defense.
Real Madrid faces their own midfield concern, with Bellingham sidelined for three weeks due to a sprained ankle sustained in the previous match. Brahim Diaz is expected to step into the number 10 role in Bellingham's absence.
Additionally, Antonio Rudiger will miss out due to a thigh injury, but Nacho Fernandez is set to return from a muscle problem, providing some relief in defense.
Unfortunately, Real Madrid will still be without key players Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Thibaut Courtois due to ACL injuries.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:Gulacsi; Simakan, Lukeba, Orban, Raum; Olmo, Schlager, Kampl, Simons; Sesko, Openda
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Lunin; Carvajal, Tchouameni, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga; Diaz; Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo
EXPERT PREDICTION
RB Leipzig 1-2 Real Madrid
Leipzig's defensive vulnerabilities at home in the Champions League, combined with their lackluster form post-winter break, make it hard to imagine a repeat of last season's success against Real Madrid at the Red Bull Arena. Therefore, we believe Real Madrid will likely secure a narrow lead to take back to Madrid for the second leg.
