Vinicius Junior returns as Real Madrid start Mbappe against Leipzig

Vinicius Junior returns to Real Madrid’s starting XI for their Champions League league-phase meeting with Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The match, which is part of the third round of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase, is scheduled to begin at 22:00 Cairo time.

Vinicius missed Real Madrid’s previous La Liga fixture against Sevilla through suspension. The Brazil forward was sent off in the eighth round against Villarreal and consequently served a ban in the Sevilla match.

He comes straight back into the attack for the visit of Leipzig, with Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler also selected by Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.

Real Madrid’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Alvaro Carreras, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Federico Valverde

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva

Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler

Real Madrid have won both of their opening two matches in this season’s Champions League and sit 10th in the league-phase standings.

Leipzig are 23rd after recording one victory from their first two games.