Real Madrid name strong Champions League XI as Yan Diomande waits on Leipzig reunion

Real Madrid are targeting a third consecutive Champions League victory when they face RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening, with Yan Diomande starting on the bench against his former club.

Jose Mourinho’s side opened their European campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan before edging past AS Roma 4-3. They will now look to maintain their perfect record against a Leipzig team seeking a response after suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat by Bayern Munich.

The German club did, however, claim a 1-0 European victory over PSV Eindhoven in their previous continental outing.

Mourinho has selected a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Thibaut Courtois in goal. Federico Valverde is expected to operate at right-back, while Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger make up the central defensive pairing. Alvaro Carreras starts on the left side of the defence.

Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga will provide the central midfield platform, with Jude Bellingham playing further forward. Arda Guler and Vinicius Junior are named on the flanks, supporting Kylian Mbappe, who leads the attack.

Real Madrid are without Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo because of injury. Diomande, who joined from Leipzig during the summer, will begin the match among the substitutes and could face his former team if he is introduced later in the game.

Leipzig make three-pronged attacking choice

Martin Demichelis has also opted for a 4-2-3-1 system for Leipzig. Maarten Vandevoordt starts in goal behind a back four of Ridle Baku, Willi Orban, Castello Lukeba and David Raum.

Neil El Aynaoui and Nicolas Seiwald are tasked with providing balance in midfield. Brajan Gruda, Christopher Nkunku and Antonio Nusa will operate behind Romulo Cardoso in the attacking line.

Leipzig will be without Guiu, Assan Ouedraogo and Zingerle for the match.

The contest brings together a Real Madrid side in confident European form and a Leipzig team attempting to restore its defensive solidity after the Bundesliga setback against Bayern Munich. Diomande’s reunion with his former team-mates will initially take place from the substitutes’ bench.

Starting line-ups

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras, Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior.

RB Leipzig: Maarten Vandevoordt, David Raum, Castello Lukeba, Willi Orban, Ridle Baku, Neil El Aynaoui, Nicolas Seiwald, Antonio Nusa, Christopher Nkunku, Brajan Gruda, Romulo Cardoso.