“It’s definitely possible!” – Örjan Nyland on Real Madrid

Matchday approaches!

On Wednesday , RB Leipzig have the chance to progress in Europe’s top tournament as they face Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 (9 p.m).

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What is the current form of the Madrileños? And who are their key players this season? We take a closer look at Real Madrid before the second leg – and we had help from were someone with experience facing the record champions.

Örjan Nyland, who played three games for RBL last season and, among other things, was a part of the DFB Cup victory in 2023, has been the goalkeeper for Sevilla FC since last summer. The Norwegian national goalkeeper played against Real Madrid, at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, on the penultimate LaLiga matchday last season, losing 1-0.

Together with our former keeper, we answer the pressing questions about Real Madrid before the CL second leg.
 

ÖRJAN NYLAND ON…

… REAL’S CURRENT FORM

• “Real have had to navigate the season without some crucial players due to injuries. David Alaba and Eder Militao (both torn cruciate ligaments) will probably not be able to play again this season. Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rüdiger were also recently injured, but both have since returned. This is very important for the team.

  Despite the absentees, they still have enormous quality. For example, being able to bring Luka Modric off the bench says a lot about the depth of the squad. 

  Real also have many versaitile players in the squad. Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga, for example. Both are midfielders by trade, but can also be used in defence – and to great effect.”

  Stats:

  • Real have gained a lead on Girona at the top of La Liga in recent weeks. Both teams were in close contest for a while, but Real are now seven points ahead of second place.
     

… THE ESTADIO SANTIAGO BERNABÉU

• “The stadium is very cool, a real football temple. It is one of the stadiums that every professional footballer dreams of playing in. The atmosphere is outstanding, the stands are very steep. Despite our narrow defeat with Sevilla, playing there was an unforgettable experience for me.”

  Previous meeting:

  • It is the second game for RBL at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The first took place on Matchday 2 of the 2022/23 Champions League season. Real won 2-0 thanks to two late goals from Federico Valverde (80th) and Marco Asensio (90 + 1) .
     

… THE STRENGTH OF MADRID

• “Real don’t make many mistakes and only need a few chances to score. Despite their injuries, they are very stable defensively and have conceded the fewest goals in LaLiga (18). I think that is thanks to their Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti. He brings a lot of experience and has shown in his previous roles that his teams can be very stable at the back.

  Real are particularly dangerous because of their strong counterattack and switching game. When they win the ball, they move forward with a lot of speed. They have players who are predestined for this game in the form of Vinicius Jr. or Rodrygo. Overall, Real are very effective in front of goal.”

  Stats:

  • Real have won all seven Champions League games so far this season.
  • Real has the best defence in LaLiga with only 18 goals conceded.
  • Only Manchester City (20) has scored more goals than Real Madrid (18) in the current Champions League season.
     

… THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS AGAINST REAL

• “They have a strong team, that’s for sure. However, we also had chances in our game, but missed the opportunity to score. This was the same in the first leg between RBL and Real. The opportunities were there to score goals. You have to take your chances if you want to win against Real. 

  RB Leipzig showed two years ago that they can compete. Back then you were able to win against Real. I also had the feeling with Sevilla that there was something there. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the boys and will be watching the game, on TV, with great excitement. It’s definitely possible to win in Madrid.”

  Real’s last 3 results:

  • 2:2 at Valencia FC
  • 1:0 against Sevilla FC
  • 1:1 against Rayo Vallecano

… THE “UNSUNG HEROES” AT REAL MADRID

• “ I think Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are really strong. They play an important role in the team this season and have taken another step in their development. 

  Alaba and Militao are out? No problem: Tchouameni plays in central defence and you hardly notice that it’s not his favorite position. Camavinga can also defend centrally or on the left. Regardless of whether important players are missing, they can be replaced. That’s a great strength of Real.” 

How Real lined up in the last game:
Lunin – Carvajal, Tchouameni, Rüdiger, Mendy – Kroos, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham – Vinicius Jr., Rodyrgo

… RB LEIPZIG

• “I watch the RBL games if our schedule allows it. Since we are no longer in a European competition with Sevilla, I now have time mainly during the week. So I wouldn’t mind if the boys got a through a few more rounds.

  I’m enjoying watching the team play this season. There are many young, talented players. My family and I feel very comfortable in Spain, but we miss Leipzig. We felt very comfortable, I had a great year at the club. There are many wonderful memories, with the cup win being the absolute highlight .

  I’m always happy when I hear something from the boys. I still have regular contact with some of them, for example Yussi Poulsen or Kevin Kampl .”