RB Leipzig vs Liverpool – UEFA Champions League – Preview, Team News and Updates

While tonight’s Champions League showdown between Bayern Munich and Barcelona will undoubtedly grab the spotlight, there are several other captivating fixtures on the UCL schedule. One of the standout matches is the intriguing clash between up-and-coming RB Leipzig and English powerhouse Liverpool.

However, the two clubs have had very contrasting starts to their respective Champions League campaigns. While the Reds have secured victories in their first two UCL matches, their German opponents haven’t even opened their account this season. Therefore, tonight’s match against Liverpool will be of utmost importance for RB Leipzig. So, can Die Rotten Bullen finally grab their first UCL victory this season, or will Liverpool inflict further misery on Leipzig? 

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool – Match Preview 

By this point, doubters and skeptics are running out of ways to discredit Arne Slot and his impressive start to the 2024/25 season. Stepping into Jurgen Klopp’s shoes at Anfield was always going to be daunting. However, the Dutch head coach has made the transition so seamless for fans. The Reds currently are perched atop the Premier League standings, with 21 points from eight games. Thier only loss of the season was a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forrest at Anfield. Another than that sole blemish, Liverpool have looked nearly unbeatable this season.  

On the continental front, Liverpool easily overcame AC Milan by a scoreline of 3-1 in their Champions League opener. They followed that victory with a professional 2-0 win against Bologna. During their match against the Rossoblu, Mohamed Salah broke another record. He became the highest scoring African player in UCL history, overcoming Drogba’s tally of 44 UCL goals. The Egyptian also played the star turn in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea this weekend. Salah scored the opener before setting up Liverpool’s all-important second goal.  

Facing an in-form Chelsea side was Arne Slot’s sternest test to date as Liverpool’s manager, and he passed that with flying colors. This doesn’t bode well for an inconsistent RB Leipzig outfit. Despite their outstanding domestic form, Leipzig have struggled significantly in the Champions League. In their UCL opener, Die Rotten Bullen succumbed to a loss thanks to a 90th minute winner by Atletico Madrid’s Jose Maria Gimenez. Their second loss of the campaign was even more disheartening. Despite being a man up, Leipzig suffered a 3-2 loss at home to Juventus. Such subpar performances can have a detrimental impact on their continental aspiration. If RB Leipzig want to keep their hopes of a guaranteed knockout spot alive, then they will have to overcome an in-form Liverpool side tonight. 

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool – Team News and Updates 

Leipzig faced a bit of a scare when top scorer Lois Openda picked up a knock during the closing moments of their victory over Mainz. However, the Belgian downplayed the injury, assuring fans he would be ready to go for Wednesday's match. Amadou Haidara also had an injury scare in the second half, but the team is more concerned about the longer-term absences. Xaver Schlager (ACL), David Raum (ligament), Nicolas Seiwald (groin), and Assan Ouedraogo (knee) are all under medical supervision. If Openda's injury doesn't flare up, he will lead a fearsome front three alongside Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko, who has been in fine form, netting all three of Leipzig’s goals in the Champions League so far. 

On the other hand, Liverpool's win against Chelsea came at a price. Diogo Jota had to leave the field after just half an hour due to a challenge from Tosin Adarabioyo, and it seems unlikely he will be fit for Wednesday's clash. The Reds are also dealing with injuries to Alisson Becker (hamstring) and Harvey Elliott (foot), while Federico Chiesa remains a doubt. To add to the complications, young right-back Conor Bradley was missing from the matchday squad against Liverpool for reasons that are still unclear. 

With Bradley's absence, Arne Slot found himself in a bit of a right-back crisis, especially since Trent Alexander-Arnold was also a doubt before the match. This could pave the way for Joe Gomez to step into the starting lineup if Slot decides to rest Alexander-Arnold ahead of their big game against Arsenal. 

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 24th October 2024 (Thursday) at RedBull Arena in Leipzig. The match will kick off at 12:30 AM (Indian Standard Time).    

Also Read: Barcelona vs Bayern Munich – UEFA Champions League – Preview, Team News and Updates