Real Madrid hit four past Leipzig to preserve perfect start

Real Madrid made it three Champions League wins from three by beating RB Leipzig 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, October 21. Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Yan Diomande scored for Jose Mourinho’s side, who have now won four consecutive matches across all competitions.

The result keeps Madrid’s European league-phase record perfect ahead of Sunday’s La Liga Clasico against Barcelona. Leipzig briefly threatened a comeback when Tidiam Gomis scored after Mbappe had put the hosts three goals ahead, but Diomande struck late to restore the three-goal margin.

Madrid take control

Leipzig had the first clear opportunity of a tight opening half, but Thibaut Courtois got down low to deny Romulo Cardoso. At the other end, Maarten Vandevoordt made a full-stretch save from Vinicius before Madrid found a breakthrough late in the half.

Federico Valverde cut the ball back for Guler, whose attempt was blocked by Vandevoordt. Silva reacted first to score from close range, registering his first goal for Madrid.

Guler doubled the lead in the 52nd minute after Jude Bellingham crossed and Mbappe headed the ball back across goal. Guler held off a defender before turning it in.

Mbappe and Diomande finish the job

Mourinho brought Diomande on for Vinicius with 20 minutes remaining. The former Leipzig winger then pulled the ball back to Mbappe on the edge of the box, and Mbappe bent his shot home for Madrid’s third.

Leipzig responded quickly when Gomis fired past Courtois after Dean Huijsen switched off. Diomande had the final say, volleying Brahim Diaz’s cross into the top corner for his third goal in his last four appearances.

Mbappe has scored in each of Madrid’s Champions League matches this season and has 12 goals in 12 games. “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,” he told Movistar.

Clasico awaits Madrid

Madrid’s next match is Sunday’s league meeting with Barcelona, who lost to Paris Saint-Germain in Europe on Tuesday. Mourinho said of the Clasico: “For a Clasico, confidence doesn’t exist.”

Vinicius, who is serving a four-match La Liga ban, looked downcast after being replaced. Mourinho said he was satisfied with the winger’s performance, while Mbappe urged his team-mate to keep his confidence.