On Wednesday, starting at 20:00, the Leipzig – Benfica match will be played in the Champions League group stage, Group G, 2019/2020 edition. Leipzig won 2-1, the only previous direct meeting. The Germans get the qualification in the Champions League optimum with a draw, and the Lusitanians can still hope only if they win the “Red Bulls”. The track record of the “Vultures” in Germany is disastrous, however, managing only two victories in the 25 matches in this country.
Exceptional journey for Leipzig in the last period, managing to overcome with great syncopes this autumn. Julian Nagelsmann’s team has scored 24 goals in the last 5 matches, receiving only 4 goals in this interval. The “Red Bulls” need a single point to obtain the qualification in the Champions League optimum. They will also win Group G if Lyon does not defeat Zenit Saint Petersburg. But Leipzig is a very offensive team, positive and will not shoot for a point, because it is a dangerous tactic.
Benfica did not have much success this season of the Champions League, managing a single victory, 2-1 with Lyon on home soil. The Lusitanians remain a team with great experience in the European Cups, which will probably fight with Zenit for the Europa League place. Mathematical chances are still for the “Vultures”, but they need to take revenge on the Germans. With 6 points before the last match in the group stage, they would keep the suspense. Even if Benfica has given up 17 of the 25 trips to Germany, it must risk to Leipzig because it has nothing to lose.
Nagelsmann is absent on the defensive and is expected to make his debut as a starter for Ethan Ampadu, the Welshman loaned by Chelsea. With an “eye” on the Bundesliga, the Germans could introduce other young players, who have evolved less. An “open” duel is announced, Benfica is able to score, but Leipzig shows an incredible “hunger” offensive.
Probable teams
Leipzig: Gulacsi – Laimer, Klostermann, Ampadu, Halstenberg – Sabitzer, Haidara, Demme (c), Nkunku – Forsberg – Werner
Absent: Ilsanker, Kampl, Mukiele, Orban
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Benfica: Vlachodimos – Almeida (c), Ferro, Dias, Grimaldo – Pizzi, Gabriel, Florentino, Cervi – Chiquinho, Vinicius
Absent: Seferovic, Silva
Coach: Bruno Lage
PREDICTION: RB Leipzig to win @ 1,49
