Liverpool limp into Leipzig encounter

Liverpool have a rich history of turning on the style in Europe to make up for disappointing domestic form, but even a 2-0 first-leg lead over RB Leipzig in their Champions League last-16 tie looks precarious.

Jurgen Klopp's stumbling English champions will approach Wednesday's second leg with trepidation -- knowing they will not even be at Anfield for the "home" match. Liverpool's dramatic exploits in European competition over the years have been fuelled by the colour, noise and energy provided by fans packed into their famous old stadium.  Liverpool's "home" match against Leipzig will be played in the Puskas Arena in Budapest as a result of Covid-19 travel restrictions, the same stadium that hosted the first leg.

Liverpool is in an amazing position for the return leg, as not only do they hold a 2-0 lead, but those are both away goals as well. All they'll need to do is keep Leipzig from scoring two in this match and the Reds will be on their way to the next knockout round. While they recently snapped a four-game losing skid in EPL play, this will be refreshing and morale-boosting for Liverpool as they can all but turn on cruise control in the second leg. Leipzig won't be down and out right away, as they'll come out swinging looking for an early goal. Liverpool is technically the home side, but the match will be played in Budapest, just as the first leg was, so the teams should be just as even as they were in the first.