Real Madrid beat Leipzig 4-1 to build momentum before Barcelona clash

Real Madrid moved on to nine points in the Champions League league phase after beating Leipzig 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring just before half-time, before Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and substitute Yan Diomande completed a convincing victory for the Spanish side.

Tydiam Gomez scored Leipzig’s only goal, but the German club remain on three points and sit 29th in the standings. Real Madrid are fourth.

The result gives Real Madrid an important boost ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Barcelona in the 10th round of La Liga at Camp Nou.

Diomande makes Real Madrid history

Diomande, aged 19 years and 341 days, became the youngest substitute in Real Madrid’s history to score and provide an assist in the same Champions League match.

The previous record belonged to Guti, who achieved the feat against Molde in September 1999 at the age of 22 years and 325 days.

Diomande also became the fourth-youngest player in Champions League history to score and create a goal in one match for any club.

Vinicius Junior returned to Real Madrid’s starting line-up after missing the previous league game against Sevilla through suspension. He had been sent off against Villarreal in the eighth round of La Liga.

Diomande started that match against Sevilla but was named among the substitutes against Leipzig.

Real Madrid take control after interval

Real Madrid went ahead in the 44th minute. Leipzig’s goalkeeper saved Mbappe’s effort, but the ball fell to Bernardo Silva, who followed up to finish into the German side’s net.

The hosts doubled their advantage seven minutes after the interval. Mbappe headed the ball across the face of goal towards Guler, who completed the move from close range in the 52nd minute.

Real Madrid added a third in the 83rd minute when Diomande supplied Mbappe, allowing the forward to place his finish beyond the Leipzig goalkeeper.

Leipzig responded two minutes later. Christoph Baumgartner set up Tydiam Gomez, who reduced the deficit with a powerful strike that beat Thibaut Courtois.

The visitors’ hopes of a comeback were ended in the 87th minute when Diomande drove a fierce shot into the net from inside the penalty area to restore Real Madrid’s three-goal lead.

Diomande chose not to celebrate against his former club.