Real Madrid player ratings vs RB Leipzig: Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler impress before Diomande steals the headlines

Real Madrid continued their perfect Champions League run with a convincing 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabéu. The hosts were patient during a cagey opening period, but eventually found another gear after the break to take control of the contest.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring just before half-time, while Arda Güler doubled the advantage shortly after the restart. Kylian Mbappé then added a superb third with a precise curling finish. Leipzig briefly reduced the deficit through Tidiam Gomis, but substitute Yan Diomande restored Madrid’s authority with a spectacular volley late in the game.

Madrid finished with 64% possession and created enough chances to justify the margin of victory. Leipzig’s compact defensive structure caused problems early on, yet Madrid’s movement between the lines gradually opened spaces for their attacking players to exploit.

Goalkeeper and defence

Thibaut Courtois – 7/10

Courtois had relatively little to do for long spells but remained alert whenever Leipzig broke forward. He made five saves, including important stops from Rômulo and Christopher Nkunku. The goalkeeper had no realistic chance of keeping out Gomis’ powerful late strike.

Federico Valverde – 7/10

Valverde operated in a flexible right-sided defensive role and worked tirelessly throughout the match. His tackling and recovery runs helped Madrid maintain their high defensive line, although his deeper position limited his opportunities to influence the attack.

Antonio Rüdiger – 6/10

The German defender brought his usual aggression and authority to the back line. He was occasionally pulled away from his preferred position by Nkunku’s movement but remained strong in aerial challenges. Losing the clean sheet late on will have frustrated him.

Dean Huijsen – 8/10

Huijsen was Madrid’s most composed defender in possession. He completed 97 of 102 passes and consistently helped the team play through Leipzig’s first line of pressure. His calm distribution provided a reliable platform for Madrid’s midfielders to advance.

Álvaro Carreras – 6/10

Carreras offered width on the left and helped stretch Leipzig’s shape. He was occasionally uncertain when Antonio Nusa moved into central areas, and he was replaced in the second half as Madrid looked to protect their advantage.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga – 7/10

Camavinga provided balance in the centre of the pitch, winning possession and launching several transitions. His work often went unnoticed, but it allowed Madrid’s more creative players to operate with greater freedom.

Bernardo Silva – 8/10

Silva rewarded his intelligent movement with the opening goal shortly before half-time, reacting quickest after a rebound. He was also secure in possession, rarely giving Leipzig opportunities to counter through the middle.

Jude Bellingham – 7/10

Bellingham did not score, but he remained central to Madrid’s attacking rhythm. His perfectly weighted ball helped create the second goal, and his awareness between midfield and attack repeatedly caused Leipzig problems.

Attack

Arda Güler – 8/10

Güler delivered another impressive performance. He arrived at the right moment to finish Madrid’s second goal and looked dangerous whenever he received the ball in the final third. His vision and passing made him a constant threat before his substitution late in the match.

Vinícius Júnior – 6/10

This was a quieter display from the Brazilian forward. Leipzig’s narrow defensive block denied him the space he usually thrives in, while one promising effort was blocked. He was withdrawn with Madrid already in control.

Kylian Mbappé – 9/10

Mbappé was Madrid’s outstanding attacking player. He supplied the assist for Güler with a well-directed header before producing a classy curled finish for the third goal. His ten attempts on goal underlined the constant danger he posed to Leipzig’s defence.

Substitutes

Marc Cucurella – 6/10

Introduced to strengthen the left side, Cucurella added defensive energy as Leipzig searched for a route back into the match.

Yan Diomande – 9/10

Diomande transformed the closing stages. He assisted Mbappé before unleashing a stunning volley into the top corner, providing the defining moment of the evening and sealing Madrid’s emphatic victory.

Brahim Díaz – 6/10

His late arrival added fresh energy to Madrid’s press and helped the hosts manage the final phase of the game.

Endrick – Not rated

He had too little time to make a significant impression but came close to creating a chance during stoppage time.

Carlos Espí – Not rated

Espí threatened during the closing minutes and came close on two occasions, including an effort that struck the side netting.

Manager rating

José Mourinho – 8/10

Mourinho’s patience was rewarded. Madrid controlled possession, waited for Leipzig’s defensive structure to weaken and then attacked with greater speed after half-time. The decision to introduce Diomande proved especially effective, with the substitute contributing directly to the decisive late moments.

With three wins from three matches, Madrid remain in perfect form in the Champions League league phase.