Celtic Host RB Leipzig in Crucial Champions League Clash

As Celtic continue to dominate domestic football, they welcome a RB Leipzig side desperate for their first win in Europe.

Team Form

RB Leipzig
A 2-1 loss to Dortmund at the weekend put a dampener on Leipzig’s otherwise impressive Bundesliga campaign. Currently sitting second behind Bayern Munich, they have won six of their last eight matches, including a victory over champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Not as all-out attacking as in previous seasons, manager Marco Rose has favoured a more balanced approach. Their backline, featuring Hungary’s Willi Orban and Peter Gulacsi—names Scottish fans may remember—has kept six clean sheets in nine league games.

However, Europe tells a different story for the German side. Three losses to Atletico Madrid (2-1), Juventus (3-2), and Liverpool (1-0) have left Leipzig in dire need of a result at Celtic Park. Despite leading against both Atletico and Juventus, they conceded late goals—including two to a Juventus side down to ten men for over half an hour.

Celtic
Celtic have been dominant in the league, but their Premiership supremacy came under slight question following a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen. That doubt was swiftly dismissed when they thumped the Dons 6-0 in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, with manager Brendan Rodgers still demanding more from his players despite the commanding lead.

Despite their domestic form, Celtic will be wary of their last outing against German opposition, a 7-1 defeat to Dortmund, which highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. However, a goalless draw against Europa League champions Atalanta showed improvement, though Rodgers knows the team must continue to prove themselves against Europe’s strongest sides.

Players to Watch

Benjamin Sesko
While his league form may not be as prolific as that of his strike partner Lois Openda, Sesko has consistently delivered in the Champions League, scoring all three of Leipzig’s goals in the competition so far.

Standing at 6’5”, the Slovenian international is technically skilled and capable of powerful shots, making him a nightmare for defenders. Comfortable with both feet and strong in the air, Sesko also shares the team’s top spot for assists. If he and Openda can handle the atmosphere at Celtic Park, Leipzig will have no shortage of scoring opportunities.

Adam Idah
It’s been a challenging season for Idah, with only two league goals. However, he has a reputation as a big-game player, having scored a last-minute winner against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.

At 6’3”, Idah’s height could pose a threat to Leipzig’s defence, particularly in aerial duels. With Leipzig’s vulnerability in the air exposed against Dortmund, Rodgers may look to Idah—likely from the bench—to physically challenge Leipzig’s defenders and offer a different attacking dimension.

Team News

– Celtic: Full squad available.
– RB Leipzig: Key defender Castello Lukeba, playmaker Xavi Simons, David Raum, and Xaver Schlager are all sidelined.