RB Leipzig captain Orban optimistic ahead of Champions League match against Atlético Madrid

Captain Willi Orban is not worried that RB Leipzig could have problems with the atmosphere in the first Champions League game of the new season at Atlético Madrid. "We already have a lot of experience in the team, a lot of experienced players, last season we also played a good game at Real Madrid. We want to enjoy it here and that can also push us a bit. It can drive you to peak performance. That's why we see the heated atmosphere in a positive light," said the Hungarian international ahead of Thursday's game (21:00/DAZN).

Orban was part of the squad for the only meeting so far, which the Saxons won 2-1 in 2020, but did not feature. Last Saturday in the Bundesliga match at home against 1. Union Berlin (0:0), he was absent due to suspension. Orban is now eligible to play again in the Premier League and will move into the starting eleven. "He's our captain, of course he'll play," confirmed coach Marco Rose. The 48-year-old left it open as to which defender would have to make way for the defensive boss.

For Rose, too, it's primarily about coping with the circumstances. "We expect emotionality - an emotional coach, an emotional team. But it's also an individually strong and tactically good team that has always defended well," said the coach.