RB Leipzig aims to solidify their position in Group G as they face Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League on Tuesday. The German team won 3-1 in their previous encounter, giving them an advantage in the group standings.
Match Preview
In their last meeting at the Red Bull Arena, RB Leipzig secured a 3-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade. Despite Leipzig’s strong start, Red Star managed to cut the deficit, but Dani Olmo’s goal sealed the win for the German side.
Both teams are competing for a place in the knockout stage, and this week’s clash could determine their fate.
At the halfway point, Leipzig holds the second position in the group, while Red Star and Young Boys are tied with one point each.
Red Star Belgrade, known for their historic European Cup triumph in 1991, has struggled defensively in recent Champions League campaigns.
They will enter the match following a 3-1 league win over Radnik Surdilica, extending their unbeaten run in domestic competitions to seven matches.
RB Leipzig faced a setback with a 1-0 loss to Wolfsburg in the DFB-Pokal and another defeat to Mainz in the Bundesliga.
This is the first time they have suffered back-to-back defeats since April.
Despite these losses, a win over Red Star would secure their place in the knockout stage with two games remaining.
Leipzig has the opportunity to make history by winning four consecutive Champions League group-stage away games.
Their past victims include Celtic, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Young Boys.
Team News
Red Star Belgrade has a mostly fit squad for the match, but winger Aleksandar Katai is dealing with a stomach bug and missed the weekend’s game. Filippo Falco is also doubtful due to an unspecified concern.
RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo is expected to be sidelined for the rest of 2023 due to a shoulder injury that required an operation.
Willi Orban’s knee problem is unlikely to heal by the end of the month, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu, with a similar problem, may miss the trip to Belgrade.
RB Leipzig may make changes to their lineup to bounce back from their recent losses, with several players ready to offer a different dynamic, including Benjamin Sesko, Amadou Haidara, Emil Forsberg, and a fit-again Timo Werner.
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Red Star Belgrade:
- Glazer;
- Rodic, Djiga, Spajic;
- Mijailovic, Stamenic, Hwang, Ivanic, Mitrovic;
- Mijatovic, Ndiaye
RB Leipzig:
- Blaswich;
- Klostermann, Lukeba, Simakan;
- Henrichs, Haidara, Schlager, Raum;
- Simons, Werner;
- Openda
Prediction:
While Leipzig may have learned from their past mistakes, Red Star Belgrade’s confidence is boosted by Leipzig’s recent losses.
However, Leipzig’s young attackers are expected to secure a hard-fought victory and advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
- Our Prediction: Red Star Belgrade 1-2 RB Leipzig