Real Madrid sharpen El Clasico message with emphatic win over Leipzig

Real Madrid sent an early warning to Barcelona by beating Leipzig 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu and maintaining their perfect start to the Champions League league phase.

The victory, on Wednesday evening, was the Spanish side’s third in three matches in the competition and their final game before Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona in La Liga.

It also extended a strong run of performances under manager Jose Mourinho, following victories over Roma, Sevilla and Leipzig. Real Madrid can now approach the meeting with Barcelona in good spirits, while their rivals arrive after suffering their first defeat of the season, a 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcelona had previously been considered favourites for the Clasico because of their impressive form and winning run in La Liga and the Champions League. However, Real Madrid’s recent revival has left the balance appearing almost even.

The result moved Real Madrid to fourth in the overall Champions League standings with nine points. Leipzig remain on three points in 27th place.

Courtois keeps Leipzig out

Real Madrid controlled much of the first half but were also tested by a dangerous Leipzig side. Thibaut Courtois made two important saves to ensure the hosts went into the interval ahead.

Arda Guler caused problems on the right and delivered several crosses. His most dangerous came in the 15th minute, although Kylian Mbappe could not convert it.

Courtois then denied Leipzig in the 28th minute with a save from a powerful effort inside the penalty area, before stopping a one-on-one opportunity in the 41st minute.

Jude Bellingham went close for the home side two minutes before half-time, sending a fierce long-range strike over the crossbar.

Real Madrid finally took the lead in the 43rd minute. Guler’s shot was followed up by Bernardo Silva, whose effort deceived the goalkeeper inside the six-yard box.

The hosts increased their pressure immediately after the restart and doubled their lead six minutes into the second half. Bellingham advanced down the left and sent over an accurate cross, which Mbappe met with a header before Guler completed the move by turning the ball into the net.

Real Madrid grew in confidence and continued to dominate possession, reducing the prospect of a Leipzig comeback. Vinicius Junior was replaced after 70 minutes, with Mourinho introducing Ivorian forward Yan Diomande.

Mbappe added a third when he collected a pass from Diomande and sent a precise shot into the far corner, beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.

Leipzig pulled one back through Tidiam Gomis, who took advantage of poor positioning in the Real Madrid defence after receiving a pass from Christoph Baumgartner.

Diomande then completed the scoring with a powerful strike from Ibrahim Diaz’s pass, scoring against his former club and restoring Real Madrid’s three-goal advantage.