RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo has admitted that in order to beat Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League this season, his side needs to be 150% ready.
The Bundesliga team has been drawn against Los Blancos in the round of 16 of the continental championship and Olmo is of the idea that since they have defeated Madrid once in the competition, they can base their argument on the same.
It is to be remembered that both Madrid and Leipzig were potted in the same group during the 2022/23 season and during the away game in Germany, the team from the Spanish capital succumbed to a 2-3 defeat, with Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner scoring for the Bundesliga team.
“We consider this as motivation. We have already reached the group stage in the last edition, and now in the direct elimination stage, it will be even more special,” Olmo told Marca.
Interestingly enough, none of the scorers from that game are now playing for Leipzig, with even Werner closing in on his move to Tottenham. When asked about the same, Olmo added,
“Our team has been renewed a lot. I would say it has been strengthened. We are doing well in the Bundesliga [fourth], in the Champions League… we are having a good year.”
Olmo’s motivation to face Real Madrid
While it is one thing that Leipzig will build their motivation around the previous season’s win, another thing Olmo pointed out was Madrid’s injury issues. Right now, the likes of Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba and Eder Militao are nursing injuries.
“This win tells me that it is possible, that Real Madrid is not an invincible team, although you have to be 150 percent ready to beat them.
“But it is possible, and on top of that, they have some important injured players, like Courtois, Alaba, Militao, but Real Madrid is always Real Madrid,” he added.
He also said that Leipzig will be true to their game regardless of where they play against Madrid.
“We will be faithful to what has made us get here. It is a tie to enjoy and only by being faithful to our game can we achieve the objective, which is to qualify for the quarterfinals.
“Madrid is what it is in Europe. We don’t need extra motivation to play at the Bernabéu. We will go to the limit.”
Olmo’s thoughts on Xabi Alonso and Jude Bellingham
Xabi Alonso’s meteoric rise has been well documented this season and Olmo joked that he would have no problem in Alonso joining Real Madrid as long as it does not hurt his team.
“What he is doing in the Bundesliga is remarkable. He is a great coach, just as he was a great player. I wish him the best, as long as it doesn’t harm us [laughs].”
On Bellingham, he said, “I already saw him in Dortmund as a differential player. His presence was noticeable. Here he played further back. In Madrid, he is scoring more goals. It is different.”
Lastly, he also explained how they will keep an eye on Madrid ahead of their outing, adding, “In static, they have top world players, like Kroos or Modric. Luka is one of my favourites.
“And up top, they have fast players, who kill you in space, like ‘Vini’, Rodrygo… We have to be careful when we have the ball and when we don’t… and be attentive for the 90 minutes,” he added.