Atl. Madrid vs RB Leipzig Prediction: 19/9/2024

Atlético Madrid finished last season on a high note, winning five out of their last six matches to secure 4th place in La Liga and a direct spot in the Champions League. In last season’s Champions League campaign, Atlético made it to the quarter-finals but were knocked out by Borussia Dortmund, who went on to be the finalists.

Along the way, they eliminated Inter Milan in the Round of 16. Their pre-season preparation was solid, including a 2-0 win against Juventus, and they’ve started this season strongly, remaining unbeaten in the league so far. Despite draws against Villarreal (2-2) and Espanyol (0-0), they secured impressive wins over Girona (3-0) and away at Athletic Bilbao (1-0).

RB Leipzig faced tough luck in last season’s Champions League knockout stages, drawing Real Madrid in the Round of 16. Like Atlético, they ended the domestic season well, securing 4th place, which qualified them once again for Europe’s top competition. Their pre-season was mixed, with a win against Aston Villa, a loss to Wolves, and a draw with PSG. In the German Cup, they comfortably beat Essen 4-1 and followed it up with a 1-0 win over Bochum and a narrow 3-2 loss to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in the league.

Atlético Madrid made significant signings over the summer, bolstering their squad with notable players like Julian Alvarez (90 million euros, from Manchester City), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Clément Lenglet (on loan from Barcelona), and Alexander Sørloth, who was La Liga’s second top scorer last season with Villarreal.

Departures included key figures like Morata (AC Milan), Memphis Depay, Stefan Savic (Trabzonspor), Joao Félix (Chelsea), and Saul Niguez (on loan to Sevilla). Antoine Griezmann has been in fine form with a goal and two assists so far, while Marcos Llorente leads the team in goals with two. Julian Alvarez, however, is yet to open his scoring account.

RB Leipzig will be without Dani Olmo (4 goals and 5 assists last season), who has moved to Al-Nassr, and Mohamed Simakan. To fill the gap, Leipzig invested in young talent such as Geertruida (Feyenoord), Antonio Nusa (Club Brugge), Ouédraogo (Schalke 04), and goalkeeper Vandevoort (Genk).

Key players Xavi Simons (8 goals and 11 assists last season) and Loïs Openda (24 goals and 7 assists) remain with the squad, with Openda already netting twice against Bayer Leverkusen this season. However, Leipzig will also miss Schlager, Bitshiabu, and Ouédraogo due to injuries.

 

Prediction

Atlético Madrid’s matches in the Champions League have been full of goals, with over 2.5 goals scored in 14 of their last 17 games, including a 3-0 loss to Leipzig in the past. RB Leipzig’s matches have been similarly high-scoring, with each of their last 14 games producing at least three goals.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2 : 1 RB Leipzig