Round of sixteen - Stars and special features: A portrait of Leipzig's opponents
After probably the easiest group in its Champions League history, RB Leipzig has been given a top-class opponent for the round of 16. Although they have already had good experiences with Real Madrid in their own stadium, the Whites have strengthened their squad with a difference-maker from the Bundesliga.
Real Madrid
The coach: Carlo Ancelotti no longer has to prove anything to anyone. He has already won the championship and the Champions League in his second term in Madrid. Nevertheless, the future of the 64-year-old Italian is still open. His contract expires at the end of the season and it was previously assumed that his future would be as Brazil's national team coach. Before the recent league match against Villarreal, however, Ancelotti hinted that he could well imagine a future in Madrid.
The key player: Jude Bellingham has become a central figure at Real Madrid right from the start. The Briton, who was brought in from Dortmund for around 100 million euros, has carried the Whites through the season so far and is playing at a completely different level. The midfielder has scored 13 goals in 15 league games so far and has scored four times in five Champions League matches.
The special thing: When Leipzig played Real in the group stage last season, they were still playing on a building site. The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is now almost finished and is due to reopen on December 23. They played against Getafe on September 2 with the roof closed for the first time
Website UEFA Champions League
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- Despite having a history of positive encounters with Real Madrid at home, RB Leipzig faces a challenging rival in the Champions League round of 16, as Real Madrid has bolstered their squad with a high-caliber player from the Bundesliga.
- With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Real Madrid showcases a coach who has proven his worth by winning the championship and Champions League in his second stint in Madrid.
- Despite his impressive track record, Ancelotti's future with the club remains uncertain, as his contract expires at the end of the season, prompting rumors of him possibly taking on the role of Brazil's national team coach.
- However, Ancelotti hinted that he might stay in Madrid, citing his enjoyment of the current team's stars, including German midfielder Toni Kroos and promising talent Jude Bellingham, who was brought in from Dortmund for around 100 million euros.
- Bellingham has proven to be an invaluable asset for Real Madrid, netting 13 goals in 15 league games and scoring four times in five Champions League matches, positioning himself as a key player in the team's spectacular performances.
- Though RB Leipzig played Real Madrid in the group stage last season while still undergoing stadium renovations, the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is now completed, boasting high-caliber international facilities that are set to be showcased in the upcoming Champions League rounds.
- As the tournament progresses, both teams will have to display their talent, dedication, and strategic prowess, with the winning team advancing to the quarterfinals of the Champions League tournament, holding hopes for an eventual trophy and the recognition that comes with it.
Source: www.stern.de
