Mbappé supports Vinicius and seals Real Madrid's victory over Leipzig

Kylian Mbappé was the standout performer on Tuesday night at Santiago Bernabéu: he provided the assist for Arda Güler’s second goal (52nd minute), then sealed Real Madrid’s victory over Leipzig (4-1) with a right-footed strike from twenty metres in the 83rd minute, his 73rd goal in the Champions League.

This fourth consecutive win for the Merengues comes just days before the Clasico, but it has not eased concerns surrounding Vinicius Junior. The 26-year-old Brazilian forward, substituted in the 70th minute by Yan Diomandé — who scored a remarkable goal shortly after coming on — left the pitch with his head down. He has just one goal in eleven matches across all competitions since the start of the season, far from the level that had propelled him into the Ballon d’Or race in 2024.

Questioned after the match, Mbappé offered direct support to his teammate: “I think it’s very good that he’s sad because it means he wants to give a lot to the team and the supporters. He must stay calm and be proud of what he is. A great player must always be proud of what he is and keep confidence, because he has the talent.”

Head coach José Mourinho struck a similar tone in his press conference: “Only he can say what he’s feeling. I’m happy with his performance. We always expect more from him, for him to make the difference individually. But I liked what he did.”

Late in the evening, Vinicius broke his silence on social media by posting several photos from the match with the message: “Living each moment. Everything passes.” The Brazilian will nonetheless have to wait before answering on the pitch. Suspended for four Liga matches following a gesture of frustration against Nathan Saliba during the match against Villarreal on 10 October, he will miss the Clasico against FC Barcelona on Sunday.