Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Women's Champions League match.
The first leg will be played in Germany, where the hosts will try to establish a lead before the second leg. Both teams are ambitious: Eintracht Frankfurt could reach the group stage for the first time in several years, while Real Madrid will look to cement their status as regular participants in the Women's Champions League.
Eintracht Frankfurt (women)
Eintracht Frankfurt finished third in last season’s Bundesliga, winning 16 of 22 matches and losing only to VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern München. In the new campaign the squad started confidently, defeating SGS Essen (5:0). That result has added belief before facing the visitors. Eintracht Frankfurt have had setbacks in Europe, having been eliminated by Sporting CP in an early qualifying round last season, and previously losing to Barcelona. However, at home they traditionally play aggressively, utilise the wide areas and often score first.
Real Madrid (women)
Real Madrid have finished runners-up three seasons in a row in the Spanish league and remain without silverware. They regularly reach the group stage of the Women's Champions League but repeatedly stumble in the knockout stages. There was a change of head coach in the summer, and the new season has begun in uneven fashion: a 2:2 draw with DUX Logroño and a 1:2 derby defeat to Atlético de Madrid. Even so, the attack is powerful, with Signe Bruun and Athenea del Castillo creating chances even against strong defences. The issue is defensive inconsistency, as shown by goals conceded in both opening rounds.
Eintracht Frankfurt (women) vs Real Madrid (women) Prediction
Both teams have a clear attacking emphasis. Eintracht Frankfurt tend to score regularly and heavily at home, while Real Madrid have made an uneven start yet continue to create chances. The hosts should make the most of home advantage, while the visitors will aim to take a high-scoring draw. An open game looks likely, with chances at both ends.
