Real Madrid claimed a third Champions League victory in as many games by thrashing RB Leipzig 4-1 on Wednesday, with Kylian Mbappé and Yan Diomande among the scorers for Jose Mourinho’s side.
The Real Madrid 4-1 RB Leipzig scoreline flatters the visitors less than it should. Madrid were made to work for long spells before pulling clear late in the game.
Real Madrid 4-1 RB Leipzig: Silva and Güler strike before the late show
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for Madrid from close range late in a tight first half. Arda Güler doubled the record 15-time European champions’ advantage soon after the interval, holding off a defender and turning home Mbappé’s header back across goal from Jude Bellingham’s cross in the 52nd minute.
Mbappé bent home a third before Tidiam Gomis pulled one back for the German side. Diomande then rammed a volley into the top corner from Brahim Diaz’s cross to cap Madrid’s late triumph, his third goal in his last four appearances.
Leipzig had created the first big chance of the night, with Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois getting down low to make a superb save from Romulo Cardoso. Vinicius Junior, starting on the left while serving a four-match La Liga ban, drew a full-stretch save from Leipzig’s Maarten Vandevoordt.
“We know every point is important to get into the top eight; we know we have to win as many games as possible, we’ve won three, and there are five to go,” Mbappé told Movistar.
Mbappé’s golden run continues
The French forward, who hopes to win the Ballon d’Or next week, has scored in each of Madrid’s Champions League matches this season and now has 12 goals in 12 games.
“I’m doing well but I think I can do more,” said Mbappé. “I’m one of the few players who always has to demand more from himself. Right now it’s a good moment, but we have to keep going, and I have to do more.”
Mourinho substituted Vinicius with 20 minutes left, bringing on Diomande. The Brazilian cannot play again until November 4, when Madrid visit AEK Athens, because of his domestic suspension. Mbappé backed his teammate: “I think he just needs to stay calm. He needs to be calm, proud of who he is, because a great player must always be proud of what he is, and keep his confidence, because the quality is there.”
Mourinho thought the winger had a decent game. “I don’t want to say he’s sad, because that’s a feeling only he can say if he has, but his coach is happy,” he said.
El Clásico looms on Sunday
The fourth straight win in all competitions lifts Madrid’s mood ahead of Sunday’s La Liga Clásico against Barcelona. Without a major trophy for two seasons and after a shaky domestic start, Madrid can at least boast a perfect European record in the league phase, unlike Barcelona after their defeat at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
“For a Clásico, confidence doesn’t exist,” Mourinho told Movistar. “It’s one more league game, but it’s not a game like the others. We’re losing 24 hours of rest compared to Barca.”
The original context in our coverage: this site tracked Madrid’s earlier European night in the Arsenal-Bayern-Real Madrid roundup, and the Como thrashing of Manchester United shows how unforgiving this season’s league phase has been for Europe’s giants. A top-eight finish would send Madrid straight to the last 16; anything less means a play-off.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored for Real Madrid against RB Leipzig?
Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé and Yan Diomande. Tidiam Gomis scored Leipzig’s consolation.
How many goals does Mbappé have this season?
Twelve goals in 12 games, and he has scored in every Champions League match so far.
What is next for Real Madrid?
Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona in La Liga, then a trip to AEK Athens on November 4.
