Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance against RB Leipzig, with Bernardo Silva scoring his first goal for the Spanish giants as José Mourinho’s men extended their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League campaign.
The summer signing from Manchester City opened his Real Madrid account two minutes before half-time, finishing from close range after Arda Güler’s effort deflected and slipped through Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt’s legs.
Leipzig had threatened to take control during the opening exchanges, creating promising opportunities through Christopher Nkunku and Romulo. However, Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Real returned from the break with greater attacking purpose, and Güler doubled their advantage by turning Kylian Mbappé’s header across the goal into the net.
Vandevoordt had earlier denied Federico Valverde with an impressive stop, but the Belgian goalkeeper could do little to prevent Güler’s close-range finish.
Mbappé, meanwhile, continued his prolific scoring run, taking his tally to 12 goals in 12 matches this season. After narrowly missing opportunities created by Jude Bellingham, the French forward eventually found the net with a superb curling strike from the edge of the penalty area.
Leipzig managed to pull one back through Tidiam Gomis, who completed a well-worked attacking move to give the German side a measure of hope.
That hope was short-lived, however, as Real substitute Yan Diomande produced a spectacular response. The £120 million summer recruit, who previously played for Leipzig, fired a stunning volley from outside the penalty area against his former club.
The result underlined Real Madrid’s attacking depth and ability to punish opponents despite periods of pressure, while Leipzig were left to reflect on missed first-half opportunities that could have changed the contest.
Real Madrid’s attention now turns to the first El Clásico of the season against Barcelona on Sunday, October 25, before a Champions League trip to Greece to face AEK Athens on November 4.
Leipzig, meanwhile, are scheduled to host Manchester City later on November 4 as the competition continues.
