It has been a tale of two competitions for RB Leipzig this season.
By Sam McGuire
Die Roten Bullen are currently joint-top of the Bundesliga alongside Bayern Munich with an identical record to the German juggernauts. Marco Rose’s men have taken 17 points from their opening seven matches.
They have the best defensive record in the German top-flight having conceded two goals while keeping six clean sheets.
It is a completely different story in the Champions League.
RB Leipzig have lost both of their outings in Europe this term.
Against Atlético Madrid, the German side scored after four minutes but conceded a 90th minute goal to lose 2-1. Against Juventus, they, again, took the lead before ultimately suffering a 3-2 loss.
In-demand forward Benjamin Šeško is the only player to score in the competition for Rose’s men. He’s on three goals across his two outings. Only Harry Kane (four) has found the back of the net with greater regularity in the Champions League this term.
Rose and his team welcome Liverpool to the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday hoping to kickstart their European adventure.
They’re up against one of the most in-form sides in Europe this term. The Reds are just one of seven teams to have a 100% record in the Champions League this term having picked up wins over AC Milan and Bologna.
Arne Slot’s men have also won seven of their eight games in the Premier League. Unlike RB Leipzig, Liverpool’s impressive defensive record extends beyond their domestic league. The Reds have conceded just five goals across 11 matches in all competitions this term.
They are yet to concede more than one goal in a game.
Liverpool are potent in the final third too, scoring 25 goals in their 11 outings. For added context, this term, RB Leipzig have 17 goals in 10 outings.
On paper, this should be a routine win for the Reds. But this is the sort of game that could cause Liverpool problems, especially if Slot looks to rotate to keep things fresh ahead of the high profile trip to the Emirates on Sunday.
The greatest threat to Liverpool’s 100% record in the Champions League could well be Liverpool. RB Leipzig could take advantage of Slot and his team potentially having one eye on Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every Champions League game with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.