5 reasons RB Leipzig will STILL beat Real Madrid

The Champion League Round of 16 second legs are all set to kick take the spotlight from Thursday (Mar 7) with a place in the quarterfinal up for grabs. One of the promising ties features 14-time champions Real Madrid hosting RB Leipzig at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu in the Spanish capital. The record holders come into the contest with a 1-0 lead from the first leg which will see Leipzig with a mount to climb and reisgter a win progress. While Madrid should progress on paper, here are five reasons why RB Leipzig can still cause an upset and reach the quarterfinal of the Champions League.

Youngest squad in Bundesliga

Age is just a number, but with matches set to last 120 minutes and if needed penalties could become a decisive factor in the team’s reaching the next round. RB Leipzig with an average age of 24.6 could have the best possible chance if the match is extended into extra time. Real Madrid’s average age of 27.4 and aging players like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, could struggle on home turf if the match is stretched over 90 minutes.

Impressive away records

Taking away ties against Manchester City in the knockout stage, Marco Rose’s side has an impressive away record in recent years. They have beaten Atletico Madrid (natural venue), Tottenham Hotspur, Monaco and Benfica away from home. Taking away the Manchester City tie, RB Leipzig have won four away matches in the KO stage scoring 11 goals. As Leipzig play a position-based brand of football, this could be an impressive stat considering they can get the better of Real Madrid in the early stages of the match.

History in favour

Winning at the Santiago Bernabeu is not everyone’s meal, but Leipzig are one of the clubs who have won at the iconic venue. In October 2022, Leipzig raced into a two-goal lead in the opening 18 minutes and ran out as 3-2 winners. Six of the Leipzig starting XI that evening are still at the club. Moreover, Leipzig have an impressive record against teams from the Spanish capital, having also got the better of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals in 2020.

Also Read: Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Attack is the best form of defence

There are indications that Leipzig’s offensive line is becoming increasingly proficient. Die Roten Bullen averages more than two goals per game in the Bundesliga with 54 goals in 24 games. They haven’t slowed down in the Champions League either, scoring 13 goals in six group-stage matches, more than any other German team.

One notable change in 2024 has been Šeško securing his position as one of the front two alongside Loïs Openda. Only two players in the league have scored as many goals as Openda has so far this season (17 goals), with the Slovenian having already netted seven goals in his Bundesliga debut.

Xavi leads the attacking pack

Xavi Simons has well and truly lit up Leipzig’s attacking play since his arrival on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. The Dutch wizard has a very healthy habit of conjuring up moments of brilliance in the biggest games too – with two goals and two assists in the Champions League group stage, while a breathtaking turn and strike against Bayer Leverkusen earned him the Bundesliga Goal of the Month Award for January.

Also Read: Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz Suffers Injury Blow in RB Leipzig Clash