The Red Bull Arena in Leipzig is set to host a thrilling Champions League encounter on Wednesday evening as RB Leipzig welcome Italian giants Juventus. Both teams enter this match with contrasting fortunes from their opening fixtures, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.
RB Leipzig come into this match looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener. Despite the setback, Marco Rose’s side has been in impressive form, losing just once in their last 19 matches across all competitions. Their recent 4-0 thrashing of Augsburg in the Bundesliga showcased their attacking prowess and resilience.
Juventus, under new manager Thiago Motta, made a triumphant return to the Champions League with a 3-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven. The Bianconeri have remained undefeated in their seven matches this season, conceding just one goal. Their weekend 3-0 win against Genoa in Serie A further underlines their current form.
Young striker Benjamin Sesko has already made his mark in the Champions League, scoring in Leipzig’s opener for the second consecutive season. His brace against Augsburg demonstrates his goal-scoring threat.
Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic is finding his rhythm, scoring twice against Genoa. With four goal involvements in eight Champions League appearances, he’ll be crucial to Juventus’ attacking efforts.
Marco Rose’s Leipzig are known for their high-pressing, attacking style. The potential inclusion of summer signing Antonio Nusa or the experienced Christoph Baumgartner could add an extra dimension to their attack.
Thiago Motta has brought a fresh approach to Juventus, fielding the club’s youngest-ever Champions League lineup in their opener. The Italian tactician will likely continue to trust in youth, with 19-year-old Kenan Yildiz potentially playing a key role.
Team News
RB Leipzig may be without Kevin Kampl, Assan Ouedraogo, and Xaver Schlager due to injuries, while Eljif Elmas is doubtful.
Juventus could see the return of Timothy Weah and Arkadiusz Milik, though both remain doubtful. Francisco Conceicao, who scored after coming off the bench against Genoa, might feature.
Expected Starting XIs
RB Leipzig (4-2-2-2): Gulacsi; Geertruida, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Baumgartner, Haidara, Vermeeren, Simons; Sesko, Openda
Juventus (4-3-3): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Bremer, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Fagioli; Gonzalez, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
Prediction
Given Leipzig’s strong home record and Juventus’ recent struggles in away Champions League fixtures, this match could be a closely contested affair. Leipzig’s attacking firepower might just give them the edge in what promises to be a tactical chess match between two well-drilled sides.
Prediction: RB Leipzig 1-0 Juventus
