UEFA Champions League Group G always had the makings of being a closely fought contest for the top two qualifying places. As we enter the fifth round of matches, all 4 teams still have a chance of reaching the knockout stages of the competition this season.
RB Leipzig are currently sitting top of the group with 9 points from their 4 games played. Lyon are just behind on 7 points while Zenit Saint Petersburg have 4 points. Benfica are propping up the group with 3 points but know a win this match away against RB Leipzig will leave them in contention going into the final match day.
RB Leipzig have won 3 and lost one of their 4 Champions League group games this season. Last time out they travelled to Russia to play Zenit Saint Petersburg and came away with an excellent 2-0 victory. Their only defeat to date in this group was at home against Lyon and RB Leipzig will be hoping to avoid a similar result in this match.
🔴⚪ We are RB Leipzig 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/BPGPKSSnsA— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) November 1, 2019
🔴⚪ We are RB Leipzig 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/BPGPKSSnsA
The Bundesliga club have played only 5 Champions League home games in their history, winning 2, losing 2 and drawing one. The two victories have been over Zenit Saint Petersburg this season and Porto in 2017. Trends show both teams have scored in each of RB Leipzig’s 5 home Champions League matches and they are yet to keep a clean sheet.
Benfica have struggled in the Champions League this season, picking up just one victory In Group G. Their only win came at home against Lyon in the 3rd round of matches and prior to that result Benfica lost at home against RB Leipzig and away to Zenit Saint Petersburg.
In their most recent Champions League match, Benfica lost 3-1 away against Lyon and that result and performance does not bode well ahead of their trip to Germany.
Trends show Benfica have won only 2 of their last 8 games in the Champions League. They have lost each of their last 4 away matches in the competition, conceding 3 or more goals in each of the last 3 away games. Benfica have won only 2 of their last 12 away Champions League matches but have managed to score at least one goal in 6 of their last 7 on the road.
Team news and RB Leipzig have doubts over the fitness of Hannes Wolf, Nordi Mukiele, Will Orban and Yussuf Poulsen. Ibrahima Konaté, Luan Cândido and Tyler Adams are doubtful.
Benfica travel to Germany without Rafa Silva who is expected to be out until February with a groin injury. Adel Taarabt, David Tavares, Haris Seferovic and Mile Svilar are all struggling to make it.
RB Leipzig know they are close to making club history by qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Benfica are in the last chance saloon and need to win this game to have any chance themselves. That could play into the hands of the hosts who could win this game with both teams scoring.