RB Leipzig Set to Host Unbeaten Juventus in Champions League Showdown
RB Leipzig will look to secure their first Champions League win of the season when they host unbeaten Juventus at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday evening. After suffering a late defeat to Atletico Madrid in their opening group stage match, the Bundesliga side is eager to bounce back against the Italian giants, who are riding high after a solid start to their campaign.
Match Preview
Leipzig faced a tough challenge in their opening match against Atletico Madrid, where they took an early lead through Benjamin Sesko but ultimately fell 2-1 after conceding a late goal. Despite that setback, the team has been in good form overall, remaining unbeaten in their last 19 matches across all competitions. Their recent 4-0 victory over Augsburg solidified their position in the Bundesliga standings and boosted their confidence ahead of this crucial European encounter.
Juventus, under new coach Thiago Motta, returned to the Champions League with a commendable 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven, featuring an impressive performance from 19-year-old Kenan Yildiz, who became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s Champions League history. The Bianconeri are currently unbeaten in seven matches, with Dusan Vlahovic leading the attack after scoring twice in their recent 3-0 victory against Genoa.
However, Juventus have struggled in recent Champions League away matches, having lost four of their last five, and Motta will aim to turn that trend around by leading his team to victory in Leipzig.
Team News
RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose has a few selection dilemmas as he considers whether to start summer signing Antonio Nusa after his recent Bundesliga debut. Christoph Baumgartner and Atletico loanee Arthur Vermeeren are also in contention for a starting spot alongside forwards Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko, who will look to continue their scoring form.
Juventus, meanwhile, are expected to be without Timothy Weah (ankle) and Arkadiusz Milik (knee injury), though Francisco Conceicao made a successful return from injury by scoring in their recent match. Dusan Vlahovic, who has been a key figure for Juve in the Champions League, will likely lead the line with support from Kenan Yildiz and Teun Koopmeiners.
Possible Lineups
RB Leipzig: Gulacsi; Geertruida, Orban, Lukeba, Raum; Baumgartner, Haidara, Vermeeren, Simons; Sesko, Openda
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Bremer, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Fagioli; Gonzalez, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
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