Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
×
×
Notification products, updates
September 17, 2024
Deniz Undav has issued a warning to his Stuttgart teammates regarding Antonio Rüdiger as they prepare for their Champions League opener against Real Madrid.
The VfB Stuttgart striker, who will go up against fellow German international Rüdiger during Tuesday’s match, expressed his understanding of the challenges posed by the seasoned center-back, known for being a tough competitor. Undav emphasized that he is well-prepared for what lies ahead.
“I know what a nasty defender he can be when you play against him,” Undav told German media, looking ahead to the game.
“I am prepared. During my time with the national team, I’ve noticed how he pinches you.”
Undav won’t be surprised if there’s a lot of trash talk between Rüdiger and the Stuttgart players during the game.
“I’m definitely not averse to it. You’re not going to make me lose it that way. No matter what you do,” he emphasized.
No matter how difficult Tuesday’s match looks on paper, the striker says it’s vital Stuttgart don’t lose heart.
“We want to win. If we play our game, we always have a chance. We can’t be scared. If you’re afraid of Real Madrid because it’s Real Madrid, then you’re going to lose,” Undav emphasized.
Here’s our preview of Thursday’s UEFA Champions League clash between Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen, along with our predicted lineups.
After clinching the German double and advancing to the Europa League last season, Bayer Leverkusen is set to make their Champions League return this Thursday as they visit Feyenoord.
Xabi Alonso’s side has enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning all but one match, with their only defeat coming in a 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig, which ended their impressive unbeaten run in the Bundesliga that had lasted over a year.
Key player Florian Wirtz has begun the season in excellent form, netting three goals in three games, including a standout performance in Leverkusen’s recent 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim. Nigerian striker Victor Boniface also made his mark in that match, scoring twice and providing an assist.
On the other hand, Feyenoord has faced challenges adjusting to life without former coach Arne Slot, who has moved to Liverpool. Under new manager Brian Priske, the Rotterdam club has managed just one win and three draws in their first four Eredivisie matches, including a recent 2-2 draw against Groningen.
Historically, the two teams have met only once before in the last 16 of the 1987-88 UEFA Cup, where Leverkusen triumphed 3-2 on aggregate to claim the trophy.
Both teams are expected to have their full squads available for Thursday’s matchup.
Here’s our preview of Thursday’s UEFA Champions League matchup between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig, including the predicted lineups.
RB Leipzig experienced their first dropped points of the season over the weekend, managing only a 0-0 draw at home against Union Berlin. Despite dominating possession, Marco Rose’s side struggled to find the back of the net, with Lois Openda missing a penalty.
Overall, Leipzig can feel optimistic about their start to the season, particularly after their impressive 3-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 2, which ended the German champions’ 35-match unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga.
Now, they head to the Spanish capital to face an unbeaten Atletico Madrid team. Diego Simeone’s squad is coming off a strong 3-0 win against Valencia, which should boost their confidence heading into Thursday’s clash.
Historically, Leipzig holds a slight edge in their previous encounter, having defeated Atletico 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2020 tournament, which was played as a single leg due to the pandemic. They went on to lose to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
Leipzig can also take pride in their performance last season in the last-16 against eventual champions Real Madrid, though they were eliminated with a 2-1 aggregate score.
In terms of injuries, Atletico will be without Barrios (muscle injury) and Lemar (muscle injury), while Leipzig will miss Ouedraogo (knee injury).
Help lift up your favorite player! Head to our site to show them you’re rooting for them.
Latest Football News | Bundesliga | Bundesliga News | English Premier League | French Ligue 1 | Italian Serie A | La Liga | La Liga News | Portuguese Primieira Liga
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
Stay Tuned With Updates