RB Leipzig do not want to be underdogs in the Champions League round of 16 against Real Madrid. "We are certainly not afraid. We are looking forward to the opponent. To the task. To our stadium. That's what we want," said head coach Marco Rose ahead of the first leg this Tuesday (9 p.m./prime video), adding: "Real Madrid have developed exceptionally well this season and have become one of the most in-form teams in Europe. They're in exceptionally good shape - in all areas."
Even though Jude Bellingham is out due to a sprained ankle according to Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, Rose didn't really want to believe it. "I won't believe he's out until he's not in the stadium." The last time the two clubs met in Leipzig, RB won 3-2. However, the then defending champions Real had already qualified for the round of 16 in September 2022. This time it is a knockout game.
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