RB Leipzig will face Atlético Madrid in their first Champions League match. With games against Juventus, Betweenand Liverpool to come, it is crucial that the Saxons get off to the perfect start on Thursday night.
Is this Leipzig’s time?
Leipzig have already generated a lot of discussion and excitement in the Bundesliga this season. Thanks to the retention of players like Xavi Simons, Lois Opendaand Benjamin Šeško, many believe Leipzig has what it takes to finally challenge for the Bundesliga title.
After a good start at national level (and eventually beating Bayer Leverkusen), Leipzig now have to do it on Europe’s biggest stage. Head coach Marco Rose will have a full squad at his disposal, so expect a full-strength team on Thursday night.
Leipzig have more than enough firepower to get the better of Atletico, but they will have to be patient. Atletico are a well-organized team that could frustrate RB and hurt them on the counterattack. A recent parallel would be Leipzig’s 0-0 draw at home to Atletico. Union BerlinDespite a possession rate of almost 70%, Leipzig have failed to shake the Union net and have found the target only three times from 15 shots. This could be a problem for Rose’s team if Atletico play defensively.
The fortress of Atlético
If Leipzig are to claim all three points in their Champions League opener, they will have to do something no team was able to do last season.
Atletico were the only team in last season’s Champions League to have a 100% home win rate (5 games, 5 wins). Furthermore, Atletico have yet to lose to a German team in this competition this century. In that span, they have won eight and drawn four, a remarkable run.
Atlético renewed its squad last season and significantly reduced the team’s average age. Conor Gallagher And Julian Alvarez Both scored last weekend and will most likely start on Thursday night or will certainly play a role in the game.
Planned compositions (via Bundesliga)
Atletico – Oblak (c) – Llorente, The NormanGimenez, AzpilicuetaLinoleum – From Paul, Koke (c), Barrios – GriezmannAlvarez.
Leipzig – Gulácsi (c) – Henrich, OrbanCastle, Space – Haidara, Seiwald, CampXavi – Šeško, Openda.
GFN | Jamie Allen
