Mourinho's Real Madrid Eyes Third UCL Win Amidst Squad Changes and Fan Scrutiny

Squad Dynamics and Key Returns

Real Madrid is preparing to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League, with several significant developments impacting their squad. Central defender Éder Militão is set to make his return to action after a lengthy 180-day absence due to injury. His availability for the upcoming Champions League match against RB Leipzig has been confirmed, marking a crucial boost for José Mourinho’s side ^[1]. Militão was one of three long-term injured players inherited by Mourinho, highlighting the challenges the coach has faced in his return ^[2].

Another player making a significant impact is Yan Diomandé, who has earned a place in the starting lineup and has been a consistent starter in the last three matches ^[3]. Diomandé, who previously spent a season at RB Leipzig, has been in impressive form, contributing two goals and two assists in his last three appearances. He is also noted as the team’s best dribbler and the Real Madrid player who completes the most dribbles per minute of play ^[4]. His emergence has been partly facilitated by Vinicius Junior’s suspension, which created an opening for him ^[4]. Thibaut Courtois is also expected to be available, though his contract renewal with Real Madrid is not yet finalized ^[5]. Courtois, along with Mbappé and Valverde, is considered an ‘untouchable’ player for Mourinho ^[2].

Mourinho’s Influence and Vinicius Junior’s Situation

José Mourinho’s return as Real Madrid coach has seen the team achieve an impressive 81% win rate in his first 11 games, including victories in all six home matches where they scored 19 goals and conceded only 4 ^[2]. This strong home form will be tested against RB Leipzig as Real Madrid seeks their third consecutive victory in the Champions League group stage ^[6].

Despite the team’s overall positive trajectory, Vinicius Junior finds himself in a challenging position. While he is available for the Champions League match against RB Leipzig, his current performance level is noted as being below his previous best ^[6]. He has reportedly been receiving harsh criticism from some Real Madrid fans, with some even calling for his departure ^[7]. Journalist Roberto Gómez has criticized this treatment and called for the club to offer Vinicius greater protection, also revealing that Vinicius rejected a substantial offer from Arsenal during the summer transfer window ^[8]. Mourinho himself appeared unenthusiastic in a recent press conference, adding to the narrative around the club ^[8].

Tactical Considerations and Upcoming Challenges

Real Madrid’s squad depth provides Mourinho with numerous attacking options beyond Vinicius Junior, including Kylian Mbappé, Endrick, and Arda Güler ^[9]. Mbappé is expected to play in the match ^[10]. The team’s abundant talent leads to high competition for starting spots, as acknowledged by RB Leipzig coach Martín Demichelis, who stated that any player fielded by Real Madrid would be a good one ^[9]. Eduardo Camavinga, despite acknowledging the need for more focus, has seen his playing time significantly reduced, becoming a habitual substitute and the midfielder with the fewest minutes since the international break ^[11].

Defensively, Ibrahima Konaté is expected to start. Real Madrid has also faced some controversial referee decisions this season ^[12]. Looking ahead, the club recently signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, further strengthening their long-term prospects ^[13]. The focus remains on securing a vital Champions League victory against RB Leipzig to continue their strong start in the competition.

What it means

Real Madrid currently sits 3rd in La Liga with 21 points from 9 games (W7 D0 L2), having scored 23 goals and conceded 9. Their recent form shows three consecutive wins across all competitions, including a 4-1 home victory against Sevilla FC and a 4-3 away win against AS Roma in the Champions League. This strong run follows a 1-2 away loss to Club Atlético de Madrid in late September. The upcoming Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig is crucial, with predict.game forecasting a Real Madrid win (72.0% probability) and a predicted score of 3-1. A victory would extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the Champions League group stage, building on Mourinho’s impressive home record.

Sources

1. Marca: Militao, el milagro de la fe marca.com ↩
2. Marca: 100 días de Mou: 81% de triunfos, azote del caso Negreira, pacificador y sanador de una gran 'herida' marca.com ↩
3. Marca: La intrahistoria de Diomande en el Leipzig: “Acabaron llamándole el alemán” marca.com ↩
4. Marca: Diomande y el precio del ruido marca.com ↩
5. Marca: Courtois: "La renovación aún no está cerrada, falta que mi padre y mi agente hablen los últimos detalles" marca.com ↩
6. Marca: Real Madrid - Leipzig: horario y dónde ver hoy en TV el partido de Champions League marca.com ↩
7. Marca: El Madrid, injusto con Vinicius marca.com ↩
8. Marca: Roberto Gómez: "Lo que tiene que hacer Mourinho y Real Madrid es protegr a Vinicius" marca.com ↩
9. Marca: Demichelis: "¿Vinicius? Juegue quien juegue, el Madrid tiene grandes futbolistas" marca.com ↩
10. Marca: "El Clásico del siglo... de cada temporada" marca.com ↩
11. Marca: Camavinga pierde el 'efecto Zidane' marca.com ↩
12. Marca: Konaté, sobre la jugada polémica con Ure: "No voy a decir que es falta, es evidente" marca.com ↩
13. Marca: River Plate y Real Madrid estrechan lazos marca.com ↩