Mourinho Demands Real Madrid Stay Focused for RB Leipzig Test
Real Madrid will host RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, with Jose Mourinho demanding that his side treat the Champions League league-phase match as a fresh test despite consecutive high-scoring wins.
Why Leipzig match matters for Madrid
| Fixture detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Real Madrid v RB Leipzig |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League league phase |
| Venue | Santiago Bernabeu |
| Kick-off | Wednesday, 20:00 GMT |
| Recent Madrid results | 4-1 v Sevilla; 4-3 v Roma |
| Leipzig’s last result | Lost 6-1 to Bayern Munich |
Mourinho’s team go into the game after beating Sevilla 4-1 in La Liga and overcoming Roma 4-3 in Europe, but the Madrid coach said those results offer no guarantee against Leipzig. “Winning three games does not mean you will win the fourth,” he said.
Madrid are pursuing a place in the leading positions of the new league-phase standings, although Mourinho said the immediate target is qualification rather than another Champions League title. He described progression as the first objective, with the club intending to take the competition in stages before considering a bid to win it.
The Portuguese also made clear that reputations will not determine his selection. Discussing the competition on the left flank between Vinicius Junior and former Leipzig player Yan Diomande, Mourinho said no member of his squad should be considered beyond challenge.
“I do not like the idea of an untouchable player,” Mourinho said, adding that a player earns that status only through what he delivers on the pitch. He confirmed Vinicius will start on the left wing against Leipzig, while Diomande has not been told whether he will feature.
Mourinho pointed to the work done away from matchdays as an important part of maintaining standards. He highlighted Jude Bellingham’s detailed recovery routine and said Diomande regularly returns in the afternoon to work with the physiotherapist. Ibrahima Konate was also cited among the players showing commitment in that area.
Madrid will seek to extend an impressive home sequence against German opponents: they have scored in each of their previous 26 European fixtures at the Bernabeu against Bundesliga sides. The visit of Leipzig comes immediately before a major domestic meeting with Barcelona, but Mourinho insisted that securing three Champions League points has his full attention.
Selection still to be settled
Vinicius’ place on the left has been confirmed, but Diomande’s involvement remains undecided as Mourinho finalises his line-up for Leipzig.
