Action from the UEFA Champions League returns as Real Madrid aims to make it two wins from two when hosting a German opponent looking for its first campaign win. Madrid enjoyed one of the easiest victories you will see at Celtic Park last week, strolling to an emphatic victory. The chance to take six points from six would have been the driving force behind Blancos’ preparation this week.
Few teams look forward to a trip to the Bernabeu, and RB Leipzig will be no different. The German Bundesliga side knew they were up against it when sharing a group with some of Europe’s biggest names. They certainly didn’t help themselves any when suffering a thumping defeat in their opening game. The Bulls are now playing catch-up.
These sides have never met in competition action, meaning we have not only a classic match on our hands but also the chance to witness a little piece of footballing history. Something that doesn’t come around all that often these days. Which side will get the desired result and the three points on offer? Read on as our team of experts previews this exciting match.
Madrid makes mincemeat of Celtic
Real Madrid entered this season’s Champions League as the defending champions after beating Liverpool in last season’s final. Madrid strengthened their position as European football’s most successful side by upsetting the odds to deny Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, meaning all eyes were on Blancos as they began the defence of their title in Glasgow with a curtain-raiser with Scottish champions Celtic providing the opposition.
Madrid were the red-hot favourites to win at Parkhead and get off to the perfect start as they bid to continue their winning ways. Madrid has been added to a pool they are more than capable of winning, and although they won’t show us their best at this stage, Real has what it takes to take control of the group early. With three points added from their first game, they enter their first home match of the season with their tails up, knowing another win would help shake off the competition, even at this early stage.
The La Liga champions were patient in Glasgow and eased through the opening half, with their opponents having the best goal-scoring opportunity of the opening 45. The natives began believing they were about to see something spectacular at Celtic Park, but it wasn’t. Real Madrid was given a shake in the dressing room, and they responded, going through the gears to give fans a taste of what to expect from them this year.
Bulls well beaten
Things haven’t been going well for RB Leipzig in Europe over the last few seasons, with the German Bundesliga side misfiring and failing to live up to expectations. They are a cash-rich side with the funds available to challenge the likes of Real Madrid more than the likes of Celtic can, but fans are becoming frustrated. The Bulls were knocked out of the Champions League last season, then the Europa League, losing to Glasgow Rangers in the semi-finals.
RB Leipzig began this campaign with a defeat after losing 4-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk, a game they were expected to win. The Ukrainians were picked as the weakest team in the pile, but the players obviously haven’t read the script, coming out strong and winning on matchday one. RB Leipzig looked out of their depth last week, suffering a heavy loss and dropping to the foot of the group. They won’t want to hang around there too long, with a third-place finish being the least fans expect of them this season.
The visitors warmed up for this match with an impressive 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday. That was just the kind of result they needed before heading to Madrid, and fans of the Bulls will want to see more of the same from their players here. Not too many teams win in Madrid, but RB Leipzig will want to take something from the match and would surely view a share of the spoils as a strong result.
Real Madrid v RB Leipzig prediction
Real Madrid has the home advantage and enters on the back of a strong win over Celtic last midweek. Confidence is high in the camp, and we could see another example of why they are the champions and favourites to retain their title. Supporters will be out in force for this one, wanting to catch a glimpse of their heroes and cheer them on to victory. If Madrid is at their best, they should have enough to win handily.
RB Leipzig knows they are up against it here, with last week’s defeat piling on the pressure. The Germans dread having to win in Madrid to stay in the competition, but after losing last time out, the pressure is building. No points from the first six would be a disaster for The Bulls, and that desperation should see them be a little more adventurous in this game. They could try to catch their opponents cold by going on the attack early. Armchair fans would love to see an attacking match.
Champions League odds
If you are a new or registered member of 22bet, you can place a bet on this game through your desktop computer or smartphone app. You will find odds on the winner of this match with Real Madrid trading at 1.496 while a bet on RB Leipzig to win away from home is 5.65. Fancy the draw? You may be interested in the 4.8 price offered today if you can’t split the teams. Most RB Leipzig fans would take a draw if offered it before kick-off.
In addition to the match winner betting markets, there are also several impressive specials, including both teams to score, total goals, handicap, half-time/full time and more. Take your time to research what’s available to you before placing your bets on this match in Madrid.
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