When RB Leipzig hosts Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday night, it will be one of the most consequential matches so far in this season's Champions League. Two clubs with very different goals but equal motivation clash in a game that could decide their European fate.

For Bundesliga side Leipzig, this home fixture is about getting back on track after stumbling against mighty Manchester City. Anything less than victory would be a massive disappointment.

Meanwhile, underdogs Red Star travel to Germany simply seeking survival. After disappointing results so far, they need a miracle win to keep their Champions League dream alive.

The stakes could not be higher beneath the floodlights at Red Bull Arena. Both sets of players will leave everything on the field in a match with so much on the line. Expect a cracking 90 minutes between two disparate teams.

RB Leipzig vs FK Crvena Zvezda

The much-anticipated match will take place on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, at Red Bull Arena

Red Star Clinging to Hope After Slow Start

For Red Star Belgrade, the situation is far more dire. Serbia's most successful club returned to the Champions League group stage for the first time in three years with high hopes. But so far, it's been nothing but heartbreak.

A harsh 3-1 loss away to Manchester City in their opener was followed by intense frustration as Red Star blew a lead in a 1-1 home draw with Young Boys. Just one point from two matches has Red Star's knockout round dreams already hanging by a thread.

To keep any chance alive, Red Star likely needs four points from these two games against Leipzig. Given Leipzig's quality and home dominance, that is a monumental task.

Red Star boss Barak Bakhar knows his team can play with anyone on their day. They showed that pushing City hard at the Etihad. But finding that top form twice against Leipzig is a huge task.

Of course, Red Star still has hope. A win in Germany would turn Group G on its head and put Red Star right back in contention heading into the return fixtures. It's improbable, but not impossible. Belgrade has nothing to lose now - this is their Champions League moment.

All Eyes on Bukari for Goals

If Red Star are to shock Leipzig on the road, they will need another masterclass from blossoming striker Osman Bukari. The Ghanaian sensation has scored both his team's goals in their first two Champions League matches this campaign.

With his lightning pace, creative dribbling, and clinical finishing, Bukari can single-handedly destroy defenses with a moment of individual magic. Leipzig's backline will have to be extremely wary of Bukari's threat on the counterattack.

But Bukari is an injury doubt for this clash, which would crush Red Star's chances. Without his contributions, they simply lack consistent attacking options. Other players must now stand up and be counted if Bukari misses out.

Meanwhile, Leipzig has no shortage of firepower between Christopher Nkunku, Timo Werner, and Andre Silva. Unlocking Red Star's stubborn defense will be their main challenge.

Leipzig Seeks Response After Reality Check

RB Leipzig were brought back down to earth quickly in their last Champions League outing. After opening Group G with an impressive 3-1 win away to Young Boys, Leipzig were hammered 3-1 at home by favorites Manchester City.

Facing Pep Guardiola's star-studded side was always going to be Leipzig's toughest test. Though they took an early lead through striker Lois Openda, Man City's world-class quality eventually shone through.

The loss served as a reality check for Leipzig. But with two very winnable games against Red Star up next, manager Marco Rose still expects his team to advance to the knockout rounds.

Six points from these back-to-back clashes with the Serbian champions would put Leipzig in total control of their destiny. The first step is beating Red Star on home soil this week, where Leipzig is usually very hard to topple.

In Germany's Bundesliga, Leipzig has bounced back from a minor blip to find strong form again. Consecutive wins over Darmstadt and Bochum have Rose's men up to 5th place and primed for European success.

High Octane Thriller Under the Lights

Given what's at stake for both clubs, this match should provide everything that makes the Champions League special - drama, tension, excitement, and intensity.

Two motivated teams playing urgent attacking football with the desperate need for all three points. Under the glare of the European spotlight, emotions will run high on and off the field.

Predicted Lineups

RB Leipzig: J. Blaswich, David Raum, C. Lukeba, L. Klostermann, M. Simakan, Xavi Simons, X. Schlager, Kevin Kampl, C. Baumgartner, Lois Openda, B. Sesko

Red Star Belgrade: Omri Glazer, Milan Rodic, A. Dragovic, Nasser Djiga, S. Mijailovic, Marko Stamenic, H. In-beom, S. Mitrovic, Mirko Ivanic, Osman Bukari, C. Ndiaye

Key Battles

Midfield Battle: X. Schlager vs H. In-beom

This midfield duel will be crucial in determining who controls the critical central area. Leipzig's Konrad Laimer sets the tone with his tenacious pressing and work rate. He must neutralize Red Star playmaker Hwang In-beom, who pulls the strings creatively for the Serbians. Winning the midfield battle will go a long way to deciding this match.

Werner vs Rodic

Just like Nkunku, Timo Werner has the speed and intelligent movement to unsettle defenses. At his best, he is almost unstoppable. Dealing with him will fall on Red Star right back Milan Rodic. The Serbian international must track Werner's runs and keep him isolated. Werner would love to punish his country's biggest club.

Bukari vs Simakan

If Osman Bukari features for Red Star, the striker's direct running and physicality will seriously test Leipzig's defense. Mohamed Simakan must match Bukari's power and pace to nullify his impact. At age 22, Bukari is a rising talent and Red Star's biggest threat. Keeping him quiet is Simakan's top priority.

Conclusion

Look for Leipzig to feed off their noisy home support and start fast. But don't expect Red Star to sit back either. This should be an open end-to-end thriller with twists and turns guaranteed.

In the end, Leipzig's superior quality and depth may just prevail to seal a vital victory. But Red Star certainly can snatch an unlikely upset if fortune favors the brave on the night.