Real Madrid v RB Leipzig: Mourinho’s side face injury-hit visitors in Champions League

Real Madrid welcome RB Leipzig to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for the third matchday of the Champions League, with Jose Mourinho’s side unbeaten so far in the competition and chasing another landmark in front of goal.

The Spanish club have been consistently prolific in the tournament and could equal a historic record for attacking efficiency if they maintain that form against their German opponents. Leipzig, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid after a series of unconvincing away performances and must cope with several fitness concerns.

Real Madrid team news

Real Madrid remain without three important players. Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy are still unavailable, while Brazil forward Rodrygo also misses out.

Thibaut Courtois is expected to start in goal, with Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella forming the likely defensive line.

Arda Guler, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham are set to operate in midfield. Further forward, Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are expected to lead the attack.

Probable Real Madrid XI

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella

Midfielders: Arda Guler, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham

Forwards: Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

RB Leipzig team news

RB Leipzig make the trip with their squad weakened by two confirmed absences and one further doubt.

Young forward Marc Guiu and midfielder Assan Ouedraogo have officially been ruled out. Christoph Baumgartner’s availability remains uncertain ahead of the match.

Maarten Vandevoordt is expected to begin between the posts. Ridle Baku, Willi Orban, Castello Lukeba and David Raum are the likely defenders.

Ezechiel Banzuzi, Neil El Aynaoui and Christopher Nkunku could form the midfield, while Brajan Gruda, Romulo Cardoso and Antonio Nusa are in line to start in attack.

Probable RB Leipzig XI

Goalkeeper: Maarten Vandevoordt

Defenders: Ridle Baku, Willi Orban, Castello Lukeba, David Raum

Midfielders: Ezechiel Banzuzi, Neil El Aynaoui, Christopher Nkunku

Forwards: Brajan Gruda, Romulo Cardoso, Antonio Nusa

The match is the third fixture of the Champions League league phase. Pre-match odds list Real Madrid as strong favourites at 1.25, with a draw priced at 6.50 and a Leipzig victory at 10.00.