RB Leipzig's Opponents in the Champions League

RB Leipzig didn’t get an easy draw. On the contrary. The Champions League draw presented real challenges for Martín Demichelis’s team. Nevertheless, according to sporting director Marcel Schäfer, the goal remains to advance: “We have our own ambitions, as befits RB Leipzig. We want to make it through the group stage.” According to Schäfer, the club is grateful to be competing once again “at the highest level of European soccer, which is, of course, the Champions League.” RB’s opponents are no pushovers.

Real Madrid (away): For the third time, RB will face Los Blancos in the group stage—this time also against new signing Yan Diomande and former defender Ibrahima Konaté. “It’ll be a little trip down memory lane because we’ll be facing Diomande and Konaté again,” said Schäfer. RB won 3–2 at home once (2022); they have yet to win away at the Bernabéu, managing only a draw (1–1 in the Round of 16 in 2024).

Manchester United (away): They were also an RB opponent back in 2020/2021. After a 0–5 loss at Old Trafford, RB won 3–2 at home. This time, they’ll also face former Leipzig players Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. 

Feyenoord Rotterdam (away): The team led by new coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a newcomer for RB, but on paper, it’s likely the easiest away matchup.

Como 1907 (away): Along with Lens, this debutant was one of the toughest draws in Pot 4. The Italian team is particularly interesting because coach Cesc Fàbregas—like RB—is known for his high-pressing style and was once linked with a move to Leipzig.

Manchester City (home): The English side has been the opponent four times in a row (2020 through 2024). In Manchester during the 2022–2023 season, RB suffered its heaviest defeat in the Champions League—a 0–7 loss in the Round of 16. It will be a reunion with Joško Gvardiol.

PSV Eindhoven (home): The Dutch side, featuring RB loan player Lutsharel Geertruida, should be a manageable opponent. The two teams have not yet faced each other in the Champions League. 

Shakhtar Donetsk (home): The Ukrainians are well known to RB. In the 2022–2023 season, RB had to play the away match (a 4–0 win) in Warsaw due to Russia’s war of aggression. Christopher Nkunku was named Man of the Match back then, and he has now returned. RB lost the first leg 1–4 under coach Domenico Tedesco; Marco Rose was on the bench for the second leg. 

RC Lens (home): Lens, with former RB assistant coach Dino Toppmöller as its new head coach, is certainly a tough opponent. In addition, the French team is coming to the Red Bull Arena with longtime former player Amadou Haidara. “So there will be plenty of hugs—hopefully after a victory on RB Leipzig’s home field,” said sporting director Schäfer.