Real Madrid - RB Leipzig predictions and free betting tips [06/03/2024]

On Wednesday, 6th March, as a part of the Champions League 1/8 finals return leg, "Real Madrid" will host "RB Leipzig". Carlo Ancelotti's charges took advantage with a slim 0:1 result during the match in Germany, making Leipzig's chances of going through look excessively low.

Predicted line-ups

"Real Madrid": Lunin; Carvajal, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
"RB Leipzig": Gulacsi; Henrichs, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Olmo, Haidara, Schlager, Simons; Openda, Sesko.

Stadium

The match will take place in Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

"Real Madrid"

In the first encounter at Leipzig's Red Bull Arena, it was a hard-fought victory for "Real" with the minimal score of 0:1. It was a match of intense intensity, however, as often happens, despite the pressure from the stands and the opposition, Los Blancos ultimately came out on top thanks to goal from Brahim Diaz. Interestingly, Lunin, who replaced Courtois, made 9 saves for Real Madrid in that match, a record figure for the Madrid team's goalkeeper. In all 7 previous Champions League meetings this season (including the group stage), the hosts have always been victorious.

Moreover, Madrid's form is excellent and they are unbeaten in their last 9 matches across all competitions: Ancelotti's charges currently top the table with a 7-point lead over "Girona". After defeating "Sevilla" 1:0 two weeks ago, Real drew 2:2 with "Valencia" – referee Hile Mansano blew the whistle a second before Bellingham's third goal... On Wednesday, Madrid will try to avoid their second Champions League knockout exit in their last 21 attempts when they have won the first leg; the only similar fiasco occurred against "Ajax" in the 2018-19 campaign. 

"RB Leipzig"

Leipzig collided with Real's cold realism in the first leg of the knockout stage and lost at home by the narrowest of margins (0:1). However, Leipzig shouldn’t be counted out just yet, and they will be out to exact revenge on Wednesday. In the Bundesliga, Marco Rose's men are competing for a place in the top four, which ensures a Champions League berth next season, but they lag significantly behind the leader, Bayer Leverkusen.

Prior to the trip to Santiago Bernabeu, Leipzig first lost 2:1 to crisis-stricken Bayern, and blew away "Bochum" 1:4 last Saturday. After Peter Gulacsi conceded from a Maximilian Wittek free kick on the seventh minute, Dani Olmo, Lois Openda and Yussuf Poulsen answered back with goals. It's important to note that the Germans have not won any of their last six Champions League knockout matches since the 2019-20 season. 

Head-to-Head Meetings

Having won the first leg in Germany (0:1), "Real" took revenge for last year's group stage defeat at the same venue (3:2).

Prediction for the match "Real Madrid" vs "RB Leipzig"

There is only one goal separating the teams, but it is hard to imagine "Real" exiting the round of 16, especially at home. Leipzig have been struggling in recent weeks, and the suspension of key defender Simakan certainly doesn't strengthen the 'Bulls'. I believe Real, set to redeem their disappointing draw against "Valencia", will delight their home crowd with a resounding victory.

Prediction for the Total

"Real" have been boosted by the return of Bellingham, while Brahim Diaz and Joselu could make appearances in the second half. The hosts' attack is star-studded - I predict the individual total for the favourite will be over 1.5 goals.

Prediction for Corners

Real will undoubtedly be on the front foot throughout the match, delivering at least six corners.

Prediction for Yellow Cards

Neither side is notoriously aggressive on the pitch, so I'm placing my bet on the total amount of yellow cards to be under 4.5.

Prediction for the Score

I'm betting on a precise score of 3:1 in favour of Real.