Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig: How to Watch, Betting Odds & Prediction

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: Angelia Ronayne

RB Leipzig make the trip to Spain to face La Liga leaders Real Madrid in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Wednesday night.

The first leg was a tight affair with Madrid edging the tie 1-0 with a goal from Brahim Diaz just three minutes into the second half.

How to Watch Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig in the UK:

UK viewers will be able to watch the game live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 7:30pm. The game will kick-off at 8pm.

Recent Form:

Real Madrid sit top of La Liga as they look to win their 36 th league title. They have been in good form, winning eight of their last 10 prior to this weekend. However, they come into this second leg tie on the back of a 2-2 draw at Valencia, though they came from behind to avoid just a third defeat of the season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side still maintain a comfortable advantage at the table’s summit, but will be hoping to get back to winning ways.

RB Leipzig, on the other hand, are in a battle for the top four places in the Bundesliga, as they hope to remain in the Champions League next season. They are currently fifth, but are just a point behind Borussia Dortmund in fourth.  They also have a bit of breathing room between themselves and sixth place Eintracht Frankfurt, with the gap six points.

The German side bounced back at the weekend with a 4-1 win at relegation battling Bochum, after falling to a heartbreaking last minute 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich the week prior.  However, their overall league form has been inconsistent, as they have won just three in the last eight.

Despite their recent loss, Los Blancos still have the strongest defence in the league, meaning it will be a tough task for Leipzig to overturn the slim deficit, especially away from home. If they are to do so though, they have a number of forwards they can call upon to cause the Madrid backline some trouble. Luis Openda has delivered an excellent campaign so far, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. Four of them have come in the Champions League. Elsewhere, Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko can also provide a scoring threat, the pair have scored 17 goals between them this season.

The hosts will be boosted by the return of Jude Bellingham, but still have a lot of other attacking talent to cause Leipzig problems. They struggled to break them down in the first leg, but at home they should enjoy more success. Vinicius Jr scored twice at the weekend to take his season tally to 11.

Team News:

Real Madrid:

Bellingham returned from an ankle sprain to face Valencia at the weekend, so should start against Leipzig. Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are expected to return this season, though this will not be until next month.

RB Leipzig:

Defender Lukas Klostermann is currently sidelined with a thigh injury, which could keep him out of this game. Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi returned to the lineup at the weekend following a one-game absence.

Betting Odds:

It is no surprise to see Real Madrid as heavy favourites for this fixture. They have lost just twice this season, both away from home. Leipzig come in as underdogs at 23/5 with BetUK. 

Betfred have Madrid at 3/5 to win and advance, whilst UniBET offers odds on the visitors to get on the scoresheet, with both teams to score at 16/25. 

Bellingham is Madrid’s top scorer this season with 20 goals. VBet backs him at 17/12 to be an anytime goalscorer.

Prediction:

Real Madrid hold a slender lead in this tie, and will likely play out another tight game in the second leg. Leipzig will cause them problems on the attacking side, but the home advantage should be too strong for the Germans to overcome. OddsNow expect Real Madrid to win and qualify for the quarter-finals.

OddsNow's Pick: Real Madrid to win with 5.5+ cards (3.81/1 @ Betfair)

 

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