Real Madrid vs Leipzig preview: Mourinho's men go for a clean sweep

Real Madrid C.F.

Los blancos approach this match, inevitably, with their eyes on next Sunday. La Liga is a cherished and important target because it would mean breaking the Barcelona hegemony, and losing to them would make it almost impossible. That said, beating Leipzig would practically seal qualification for the next round and take an almost decisive step to avoid the "play-in". Last season's experience, when they missed out on the "top 8" at the very last moment, should be enough to keep the team switched on, but the moments when they show a lack of commitment and solidity are starting to be too frequent. 

The Real Madrid are strong favorites, but their lapses against a team with the intensity and bursts of Leipzig could end up costing them dearly. The Germans, who sit 21st in the standings with 3 points, come off 6 goals conceded to Bayern Munich, but with a positive record in terms of results. Of their last five matches, three have gone the Germans' way. Their goals average -13 goals- is also good. 

Clearing doubts... once and for all

One of the main tasks of Mourinho 's "script" is to put together a recognizable team. The tactical changes we saw against Sevilla bring Real Madrid closer to achieving that goal. Against Roma and against Inter Milan , the Whites did not convince. They ended up asking for the time to be called, and even against the Inter, whistles could be heard from the Madrid fans who gathered at the Bernabeu. 

The league win against Sevilla was soothing. Above all, because it left the feeling that the possible solution lies in two changes as simple as moving Valverde to right back and putting Güler in the middle of the pitch. Coincidence or not, the best spells of Real Madrid have come in these circumstances. In addition, Diomande's best performance comes from playing him on the left. The "25" fits perfectly with Mbappé and is building confidence. If that were not enough, he is also one more in defensive duties. The good moment for the African contrasts with Vinicius's low output. The Brazilian arrives rested and has several weeks practically clear ahead of him due to his suspension. The question is: Vinicus to the bench to keep Yan Diomande on the left, or back to the attack with both and Mbappé as a 9? Kylian is the biggest certainty. Another name on the table is Endrick. Hero against the Roma and rewarded with a start against Sevilla. If he comes in, the one sacrificed, a priori, would be Vini, although it seems unlikely.

Another good piece of news is seeing Bernardo Silva back on the pitch. Even if he does not have many chances of starting, the Portuguese has been showing that he can contribute a lot to the team's play, even when coming on from the bench. Tchouameni will be there, yes or yes. Also Valverde. The question is where. The doubt is whether he will keep the same formula as up to now, with Valverde as the supporting player, or what he saw against Sevilla will make him put Güler in. Bellingham has no one to knock him off. In defense, Cucurella, Huijsen, Konaté and what about Valverde?. If the Uruguayan is not there, which is also the most likely, the choice would come between Dumfries or Trent; with the Dutchman in pole position for the spot. The Belgian giant will be between the posts to keep working his magic.

Three absences for Leipzig and the desire to repeat what happened in 22/23

The Germans want to remember the group-stage match between the two in 2022; they secured their only win against the Madrid club. Six players remain in the current squad. Among them, Nkunku. One of the main threats, along with Antonio Nusa or Baku. They only have three absences. The most sensitive is that of the midfielder Christoph Baumgatner. Rocco Reitz and Assan are the other two.

Last time they faced each other also left no one indifferent. They managed to earn a draw at the Bernabeu in the round of 16 and were close to forcing extra time. The 0-1 Real Madrid picked up in Germany condemned them.

Possible lineups for both sides

Real Madrid: Courtoois; Dumfries, Huijsen, Konaté, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Valverde Bellingham; Güler, Diomande, Vinicius and Mbappe

Red Bull Leipzig: Vandevoordt; Baku, Orbán, Lukeba, Raum; El Aynaoui, Seiwald; Gruda, Nkunku, Nusa; Rômulo.

Kick-off time and where to watch the match on TV

The match between Real Madrid and Leipzig will be on Wednesday October 21 from 21:00 at the Bernabeu. To watch it live, you will need the Movistar Plus Liga de Campeones platform.