UEFA Champions League 2019-20: Ranking the fixtures from the Round of 16 draw

#6 Tottenham Hotspur vs. RB Leipzig

Jose Mourinho will be confident of Tottenham's chances against RB Leipzig

Tottenham’s march to last season’s Champions League final was both unexpected and stirring thanks to their dramatic wins over Manchester City and Ajax, but 2019-20 has seen mixed results for them in Europe; they were thumped by Bayern Munich 2-7 at home, but also scored 18 goals – more than any side other than Bayern – thanks to two thumpings of whipping boys Crvena Zvedza.

The most interesting thing about Spurs’ Champions League hopes in this campaign is the Jose Mourinho effect. The Portuguese boss – who took over at Spurs in November – has won the competition twice in the past, both times with unfancied sides, and has overseen an upturn in form since his arrival in North London.

Germany’s RB Leipzig qualified for the knockout stages ahead of Lyon, Benfica and Zenit St. Petersburg, but despite currently leading the Bundesliga, Julian Nagelsmann’s side were the consensus weakest seeded side going into the draw for the round of 16.

Mourinho should therefore be confident of qualification – particularly as Spurs will play the first leg at home – but he should be wary of Leipzig striker Timo Werner, who is one of Europe’s most in-form goalscorers right now, with 21 goals in all competitions, including 3 in the Champions League.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Kingshuk Kusari