RB Leipzig start with Benjamin Henrichs and Mohamed Simakan in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Real Madrid. Kevin Kampl has to sit on the bench for the Frenchman. Head coach Marco Rose will therefore rely on a strengthened defense with defensive boss Willi Orban, Lukas Klostermann and David Raum. In attack, he will continue to rely on Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda, while Dani Olmo and Xavi Simons, who both trained at FC Barcelona at youth level, will provide impetus in midfield. Amadou Haidara, who missed the 2-2 draw in Augsburg due to swelling in his knee, is back in the squad for the first time since returning from the Africa Cup.
As expected, the record Champions League winners from Spain (14 titles), who are still unbeaten in the top flight this season, will start with the in-form Toni Kroos in midfield. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti brings in Brahim Diaz to replace Jude Bellingham, who is missing due to an ankle sprain. In defense, the recently injured captain Nacho returns, with Vazquez rotating onto the bench in his place. Following the absence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger through injury, Ancelotti said: "We never think about those who are out. It's only fair to think about those who are there."
