Diomande Stars as Real Madrid Thrash RB Leipzig 4-1
Real Madrid powered past RB Leipzig 4-1 at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, with substitute Yan Diomande setting up Kylian Mbappé before firing a spectacular volley as José Mourinho’s side accelerated away after the interval.
Match data
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Real Madrid 4-1 RB Leipzig | Wednesday at the Bernabéu |
| Madrid scorers | Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler, Mbappé, Diomande | Silva scored before half-time |
| Diomande form | 3 goals in 4 matches | After no goals in his first 8 Madrid appearances |
| Transfer value | Up to €140m ($189m) | Summer move from Leipzig |
Bernardo Silva had given Madrid a narrow half-time advantage in a tightly balanced contest. Arda Güler extended the lead after the restart, before Mbappé and Diomande completed the home side’s emphatic finish.
Diomande entered in the 70th minute for Vinícius Júnior and made the decisive impact. The Ivory Coast international supplied Mbappé for one goal, then met Brahim Díaz’s delivery with a fierce volley into the top corner.
Mourinho said the late combination of Mbappé and Diomande had given supporters the kind of finish they wanted after buying tickets. He also rejected the suggestion that Diomande’s introduction had been made to prepare for Sunday’s LaLiga Clásico in Barcelona, where Vinícius will be suspended.
The Madrid coach said the change was solely about beating Leipzig. He felt a fresh Diomande, released for the final half-hour, would be difficult to contain because of his pace.
Vinícius again received whistles from sections of the Bernabéu crowd, despite Mourinho insisting the forward had performed well within the tactical plan. The coach said Vinícius had come close to a fine goal, only for Leipzig’s goalkeeper to make an excellent save.
Mourinho said he could not determine whether the Brazilian was unhappy, but stressed that he was satisfied with the player’s work. Mbappé urged his teammate to remain calm and take pride in his ability, saying confidence would return because Vinícius has the quality required.
Speaking later, Mourinho warned that criticism from Madrid’s own supporters could damage the winger’s efforts to regain his best level. Vinícius has been repeatedly targeted by some home fans over the past year, including after agreeing a new long-term contract in the summer.
Mourinho said boos can motivate a player when they come in an away stadium, but are painful when heard at home.
