RB Leipzig needs a medium-sized surprise against Liverpool to make it into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Yes, the English champions are battered and chasing the music in the Premier League. Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann does not want to underestimate the heavily counted top club. “We don’t really give a shit whether Everton, Fulham or whoever won there. That has no influence on the game,” said the RB Leipzig coach before the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
0: 2 were defeated by RB in the first duel in February, which, like the second leg, took place in Budapest due to the corona. Nagelsmann hardly cared that the Reds in the Premier League threatened to gamble away their qualification for the premier class with their last six home bankruptcies. “We’re not addressing that because we lost the first leg,” said the Leipzig coach: “That’s why we’re currently the loser of the duel. It’s about being the winner in the end.”
Champions League today: Klopp’s Liverpool expects a strong Leipzig
Only last Sunday Liverpool and world coach Klopp lost 0-1 at home on Anfield Road against relegation candidate FC Fulham. (Champions League: All results and schedule)
Klopp then looked dejected and tried to focus on the last chance for the title in the premier class. “Thank goodness we’re now playing in a different competition,” the team manager said after the Fulham game and warned against Leipzig: “They won’t give up just because they’re 2-0 down. It’ll be difficult.” Still, Klopp is doomed to advance if he somehow wants to save the season.
Champions League: Barcelona hope for the next miracle against PSG
The same applies to his colleague Ronald Koeman, who is facing a much bigger task with FC Barcelona before the second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. Because Barca threatens the first knockout round in 14 years. There is hope that the team around superstar Lionel Messi have already celebrated a sensational comeback against the French.
Three late goals, a memorable 6-1, Champions League history: FC Barcelona achieved a historic feat in 2017 in the second leg of the second leg of the premier class against Paris. This time Barca have to catch up 4-1 from the first leg at Prinzenpark. Just like when they were 4-0 back then, Messi and Co. need at least four goals. “There is always the second game, but our chances are very slim,” said coach Ronald Koeman before the almost impossible task.
For the Spaniards, the duel with the French star ensemble is also a game of last chance – because it’s about Messi’s future. The 33-year-old Argentine, whose contract expires in the summer, has been toying with the farewell for a long time after two decades in Barcelona. The new president Joan Laporta is hoping to stay, the 58-year-old is also convinced “that he wants to stay”.
Liverpool – Leipzig: the probable lineups
Liverpool: Alisson – Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson – Thiago, Wijnaldum, Jones – Salah, Jota, Mane. – Trainer Klopp
Leipzig: Gulacsi – Mukiele, Upamecano, Klostermann – Adams, Sabitzer, Kampl, Haidara – Olmo, Nkunku – Poulsen. – Coach: Nagelsmann
This is how you can follow Liverpool – Leipzig live on TV & Stream:
TV: Sky, SPORT1 offers a fan talk about the Champions League games from 8.15 p.m.
Stream: Sky
This is how you can follow PSG – Barcelona live:
TV: –
Stream: DAZN
Champions League LIVE – follow the games on Wednesday in the live ticker:
Liveticker: Liverpool FC – RB Leipzig at 9 p.m. live on SPORT1.de and in the SPORT1 App
Liveticker: Paris Saint-Germain – FC Barcelona live at 9 p.m. SPORT1.de and in the SPORT1 App
Conference live ticker: Champions League live ticker SPORT1.de
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