Down-the-line.ru will broadcast a live online text program: Football. Champions League. Shakhtar – RB Leipzig. Direct
A point would have been enough for Leipzig to be among the 16 teams to qualify for the play-offs, although they need a win to have any chance of overtaking Real Madrid at the top of Group F.
After 1-1 draws with Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Celtic, Leipzig are second in Group F and have the advantage, but the Ukrainians’ fate is still in their hands ahead of Wednesday’s game in Warsaw.
Having stunned Leipzig 4-1 away in the first round, head coach Igor Jovićević will be confident his side can beat the Germans again and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. But the neutral ground is not in favor of the Ukrainian club. The odds are clearly even lower, given Leipzig’s recent form, as well as superior individual qualities and collective resources.
Leipzig will also be fighting for a place in the round of 16, especially as they travel to Poland on a nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions after the international break.
Marco Rose, who was appointed club manager at the start of September, has instilled his methods better in recent weeks after a shaky first few weeks in charge. A 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday lifted the club to sixth in the Bundesliga table, just 3 points off the top four.
Rosé’s main objective this season will be to secure qualification for the Champions League next season, but reaching the playoffs this season is also important.
After a tough loss to Shakhtar at the Red Bull Arena that led to the sacking of Rose’s predecessor Domenico Tedesco, Leipzig need a point against the Ukrainians on the final day to qualify. Their mission on Wednesday is clear: to avoid defeat at all costs.
Soccer. Champions League. Shakhtar – RB Leipzig. Direct
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I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
