Real Madrid ease past RB Leipzig as Yan Diomande makes decisive impact

Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to this season’s UEFA Champions League with a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday, although they had to wait until the second half to establish their authority.

The Spanish side made the difference after the break through Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe before Yan Diomande completed an impressive cameo against his former club with a fine late finish.

The result gives Real Madrid a third consecutive win in the competition. Diomande, who came on in the 70th minute for Vinicius Junior, provided an assist before scoring himself in a standout appearance at Santiago Bernabeu.

Leipzig had threatened during an evenly contested first half, with Romulo Cardoso and Christopher Nkunku both creating opportunities. However, Thibaut Courtois made the saves required to keep Real Madrid ahead.

The opening goal arrived in the 43rd minute. Maarten Vandevoordt parried a shot from Guler, but Bernardo Silva reacted quickest to the rebound and followed up to put the home side in front just before half-time.

Real Madrid increased their advantage seven minutes after the restart. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe combined to create the opportunity, with Mbappe heading the ball into the path of Guler, who finished to make it 2-0.

Leipzig were unable to recover despite continuing to look for a route back into the contest. Real Madrid scored again in the 83rd minute, when Mbappe converted from Diomande’s pass.

The Ivory Coast forward then produced the most eye-catching moment of the night four minutes later. After receiving a cross from Brahim Diaz, Diomande struck a right-footed shot into the top-left corner to score against the club he previously represented.

RB Leipzig did respond in the 85th minute, when Tidiam Gomis reduced the deficit after being set up by Christoph Baumgartner. That goal, however, did little to alter the outcome as Real Madrid remained in control.

Diomande’s assist and goal ensured the Ivorian international made a considerable impression despite starting on the bench. His display provided a memorable conclusion to a convincing Real Madrid win and underlined the hosts’ strong opening to their European campaign.