Champions League: A Fascinating Tale of Development

RB Leipzig vs Manchester City

As I write this Champions League preview, I’ve just been reading the tributes to Manchester City legend Francis Lee.

In a world where the term ‘legend’ is overused, Lee was a true club great, a player who brought success to the blue side of Manchester long before the takeover of 2008 acted as the catalyst for a whole new world.

In some ways, but to a much lesser degree, investment has also laid the foundations for the modern day RB Leipzig (although not on the same scale, or presumably they would have been able to hold onto their best players over the last few years).

Their spirit, though, is unquestioned which is why this meeting in the Red Bull Arena could well create Champions League highlights.

Talking Points

Their pedigree was certainly on display in the Bundesliga at the weekend when they held German champions Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw.

The ease with which Leipzig’s attacking pace broke through Bayern’s defence confirmed that the Saxony-based are more than a match for the Bavarian giants.

Lois Openda, who opened the scoring and set up the second goal, is now Leipzig’s leading scorer this season with four, and highlighted the youth and energy of his teammates.

Indeed, Die Roten Bullen’s 16 goals after six matches marks a new club record for goalscoring – and when you consider they have faced Bayern, Bayer Leverkusen and a Union Berlin side known for defensive solidity, that achievement becomes even more impressive.

That tally also fails to include the three Dani Olmo goals in the Supercup against Bayern in the season curtain-raiser.

Ultimately, Leipzig were pegged back though and, even if they take the lead on Wednesday night, you can envisage the same happening again.

The law of averages suggest as much.

You must remember, Leipzig lost a number of their best players this summer, including Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City.

And when was the last time City lost three matches in a row?

Pep Guardiola’s men suffered a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in the League Cup last week before going down 2-1 Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday, despite their opponents only having one shot on target (the other was an own goal).

As he served a suspension, the City manager played down his pitch side absence being a factor, given he was in dialogue with Carlos Vicens, one of his assistants, who fed instructions to another, Juanma Lillo.

He’ll be back on the pitch side in midweek and will welcome back midfielder Rodri which is a good job with midfield counterparts Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and most likely, Beranrdo Silva all missing.

How Leipzig, who opened with a 3-1 win at Young Boys, could wish for such riches against the reigning champions who began with a win against Red Star Belgrade.

The next chapter in their respective stages of development is about to be played out and, for all the hosts’ spirit, you suspect that won’t be quite enough again.

History

These sides met for the very first time at the group stages of the tournament two seasons ago.

On that occasion, in September 2021, City enjoyed a thrilling 6-3 victory over Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium.

Nathan Ake, Mahrez (penalty), Jack Grealish, Joao Cancelo and Gabriel Jesus, plus an own goal, were on target, yet in many ways Cristopher Nkunku was the attacking star with a hat-trick for Leipzig, who were then managed by Jesse Marsch.

Marsch had been replaced by the time of the return game in Germany.

City had already qualified for the knockout stages and were beaten 2-1 as Hungary midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and Portugal forward Andre Silva netted for the home side.

Last season these sides met in the last 16 and, after Mahrez opened the scoring for eventual champions City, Gvardiol (now of City) equalised for the German side.

That was their high spot, however, as City romped to a 7-0 second leg victory to run out 8-1 winners on aggregate.

It was a night when Erling Haaland rewrote the record books by scoring an incredible five times as City swept Leipzig aside as Haaland became the fastest and youngest player to reach 30 goals in Europe’s elite club competition.

Betting Tip

City can be backed 1X2 @ 1.67 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.19 with the SBOTOP Champions League betting odds.

Leipzig are tidily priced both 1X2 @ 3.95 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.28.h

Another 1-1 draw is on offer with Correct Score @ 7.20.

For goals aplenty, how about over 3.25 @ 2.20, Total Goal 0-1 @ 4.70, 2-3 @ 2.03 and 4-6 @ 2.71.

I think there will be a few goals and I have been tempted by the 1X2 Draw @ 4.00.

I do think it will be close but I just cannot see City not winning a third game in succession which is why my ** prediction is Half Time Full Time Draw Away @ 4.30.

 

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