RB Leipzig face a tricky opening Champions League away to Atlético Madrid. With video games in opposition to Juventus, Inter, and Liverpool to come back, it’s essential The Saxons get off to the proper begin on Thursday night. 

Is This Leipzig’s Time? 

There was quite a lot of speak and pleasure round Leipzig within the Bundesliga already this season. Because of maintaining the likes of Xavi Simons, Loïs Openda, and Benjamin Šeško, many imagine that Leipzig has what it takes to lastly problem for the Bundesliga title. 

After a stable begin domestically (and at last beating Bayer Leverkusen), Leipzig now should do it on Europe’s greatest stage. Head coach Marco Rose could have a full squad to select from so count on a full-strength workforce on Thursday night. 

Leipzig have greater than sufficient fire-power to get the higher of Atlético however they’re going to should be affected person. Atlético are a well-organised workforce which might frustrate RB and in flip harm them on the break. A latest parallel could be Leipzig’s 0-0 draw at residence to Union Berlin. Regardless of almost having 70% possession, Leipzig failed to interrupt Union down and solely discovered the goal thrice from 15 pictures. That might be a fear for Rose’s facet if Atlético play defensive. 

Atlético’s Fortress 

If Leipzig are to take all three factors from their opening Champions League sport, they’re going to should do one thing that no workforce might final season. 

Atlético had been the one workforce in final season’s Champions League to have a 100% win document at residence – 5 video games, 5 wins. Moreover, Atlético are but to lose within the competitors to a facet from Germany this century. Throughout this time, they’ve gained eight and drawn 4 – a outstanding run. 

Atlético refreshed their squad final season and dramatically introduced the workforce’s common age down. Newcomers Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez each scored final weekend and can almost certainly begin on Thursday night or actually play a component within the fixture. 

Predicted Line-ups (by way of Bundesliga) 

Atlético – Oblak (c) – Llorente, Le Normand, Giménez, Azpilicueta, Lino – De Paul, Koke (c), Barrios – Griezmann, Alvarez.

Leipzig – Gulácsi (c) – Henrichs, Orbán, Castello, Raum – Haidara, Seiwald, Kampl, Xavi – Šeško, Openda. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen