RB Leipzig Seeks Redemption Against Sporting Lisbon in Champions League Clash

LEIPZIG, Germany — RB Leipzig will aim to salvage pride in their final Champions League group stage match against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Red Bull Arena. Both teams enter the game with contrasting fortunes, as Leipzig seeks to avoid setting an unwanted record, while Sporting looks to secure a playoff spot.

Leipzig, rooted at the bottom of Group A with six consecutive losses, faces the risk of equaling Bayer Leverkusen‘s record for the most consecutive Champions League defeats by a German club. Their recent domestic form has been equally concerning, with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Bochum after squandering a 3-0 lead. Manager Marco Rose will welcome back star strikers Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda from suspension, but injuries to key players like Dani Olmo and Xaver Schlager continue to hamper the squad.

Sporting Lisbon, already eliminated from the competition, arrives in Germany with renewed confidence under interim manager Ruben Borges. Since taking charge in December, Borges has guided the team to crucial victories over Porto and Benfica in the Primeira Liga. However, their Champions League campaign has been dismal, with a 5-1 home defeat to Arsenal and a loss to Club Brugge highlighting their struggles. Sporting’s last visit to Germany ended in a 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, but replicating that performance will be a challenge.

Leipzig’s historical record against Portuguese clubs offers a glimmer of hope, with just one defeat in four encounters. Sporting, meanwhile, will rely on the attacking prowess of Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored six goals in his last four games. The absence of captain Pedro Goncalves due to injury is a significant blow for the visitors.

Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, with Leipzig’s possible starting XI including Peter Gulacsi, Mohamed Simakan, and David Raum, while Sporting may feature Rui Silva, Ousmane Diomande, and Trincao. The match promises entertainment, with Leipzig’s games often featuring high-scoring outcomes. Sporting, however, will be determined to end their European campaign on a positive note.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 PM UK time, with the match broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video. Leipzig’s focus will soon shift to their final group stage game against Sturm Graz, while Sporting prepares for a crucial domestic clash with Bologna.