Leipzig react to drawing Real Madrid; Terry, Butragueno discuss Real Madrid’s chances

Real Madrid face a tough challenge in the Champions League round of 16 as they are drawn against RB Leipzig. The Spanish giants, in fine form, avoided bigger teams like Inter Milan and PSG, but do face a tough task against a familiar opponent.

The draw was held in Nyon, Switzerland, and was attended by several former players and coaches. Emilio Butragueno, who played for Real Madrid and is now a spokesperson for the club, showed ultimate respect for the opponent.

“Real Madrid are happy with the draw? Those are just opinions and what worries us is the team and the rival we have in the round of 16, that is RB Leizpig, who we know well from last season,” Butragueño explained. “They were two intense, tough games, we know that we are not going to have an easy time repeating the draw here in a few months. We already know what this competition represents for the club.”

Joachim Plenge, who is the director of RB Leipzig, expressed his own concern.

“It is the worst that could have happened to us. We faced each other last season and we already know Real Madrid’s history in this competition,” Plenge said.

John Terry, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 and had the responsibility of drawing the Champions League balls in Nyon today, said that he was looking forward to watching RB Leipzig’s match against Real Madrid and that he expects Real Madrid to be the favourites for the whole tournament.

“The favorite team is Real Madrid, I have no doubt,” Terry said. “I am impressed by the way they play… Ancelotti is a tactical coach. He shows it season after season,”

Real Madrid will face RB Leipzig in the first leg in Leipzig on February 13th, while the return leg will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 5th.