RB Leipzig needs one more win and some shooting help from Manchester City to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Champions League as early as ever in the club's history. "We have created a good starting position for ourselves. And now we should try to use that there also with great confidence," said coach Marco Rose after the 3:1 against Red Star Belgrade. A victory in the second leg and a simultaneous point win by Manchester against Young Boys Bern would be enough for the round of 16 ticket after only four group games.
Somewhat uncharacteristically for Leipzig, which had always secured second place in the group only on the last matchday. For Yussuf Poulsen, this development also has something to do with the experience of a few years in the premier league. "Probably yes. But also something with luck, that the other results turn out like this. In any case, we have six points after three games. For me, that's a very, very good starting position," said the Danish international striker.
Rose expects the match at Belgrade's legendary Marakana on Nov. 6 to be "certainly a hot dance." More than 55,000 fans will roar Red Star forward with passion, as a good 3500 already did in Leipzig. "It's one of the most awesome stadiums in Europe. We're looking forward to it," said midfielder Christoph Baumgartner. Rose traveled 2018 with Salzburg already to Belgrade, but the game took place due to a penalty without spectators.
Sport director Rouven Schröder expects an "incredible atmosphere". "You have seen games there yourself in the past, even as a small child already," said the 48-year-old. "There have been times when a little fire was lit in the stands." At the same time, the sports director warned not to overestimate the good starting position: "We started well with six points, but despite everything, the group stage is not over yet."
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