Manager Marco Rose of RB Leipzig is “convinced” that his team can defeat Real Madrid in tonight’s Champions League match. If he weren’t, he claimed, his team would be sent home.
After falling behind 1-0 in the first leg, Leipzig will be aiming to make history at the Santiago Bernabeu by being the first team to win there this season.
Although they did create problems for Los Blancos—Andriy Lunin was named man of the match—the German side travels to the Santiago Bernabeu with a 1-0 deficit to reverse. But this time around, Antonio Rudiger and Jude Bellingham will be available to Carlo Ancelotti.
I believe we can pose a threat to Madrid. Some of our players have excellent one-on-one skills and can see the spaces. A superb defender, similar to Willie Orban. Our only focus on defense will lead to failure. An attempt was made by Sevilla. True, the game was close, but they came up short. We shall engage in an assault. Our sense of self-worth is the determining factor. Our football should be able to force itself against Madrid’s pressing. In this regard, Dani Olmo will play a pivotal role.
Rose told Diario AS that rhythm and timing were the match-winning factors when asked what it would take to defeat Los Blancos.
“We need to put our own spin on the ball plays, force our rhythm on the opposition, etc. Time is of the essence, and we must act accordingly. Time your press correctly. That too on an elite level. The team’s strategy will remain mostly same. Minor adjustments are in store. Defense must be our first priority at times. A flawless game is what we’ll need to showcase. Okay, we’ll give it a shot.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos’s ability to alter the pace of games has been an important component of Real Madrid’s success in Europe. Expected to start an attacking lineup, Leipzig will need Olmo, Xavier Schlager, and Xavi Simons to be in charge of the ball when they acquire it.