Real Madrid have won their opening two Champions League fixtures. They are the clear favourites to extend their 100% start when they take on RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Vinícius to Return for Real Madrid as Competition Heats Up

Having been hit with a four-game domestic ban, Vinícius Júnior missed a 4-1 Real Madrid victory over Sevilla on Sunday. Yan Diomande registered a goal and an assist operating in the Brazilian’s usual role off the left flank.

Vinícius should come in here, with Diomande and Arda Güler likely competing for one place on the right side. Kylian Mbappé ought to continue up top, after moving onto 11 goals in 11 club appearances with a weekend brace. However, Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo remain sidelined through injury.

José Mourinho may opt for rotation in defence, ahead of the Clásico at Barcelona on October 25. Denzel Dumfries could make his third Champions League start. He’ll potentially be in direct opposition to RB Leipzig danger man Antonio Nusa.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs RB Leipzig (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.

Nusa and Nkunku shining for inconsistent RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig were on the wrong end of a heavy 6-1 scoreline in the Bundesliga against Bayern München on Saturday. Martín Demichelis may opt for light changes following that defeat, but his team can take belief from a 1-0 win over PSV in the Champions League last week.

Nusa has impressed with three goals and three assists in six league outings this term. He is combining well with Christopher Nkunku, who has struck four times across his past five appearances in all competitions. They should provide the main support for striker Rômulo Cardoso.

The visitors are set to be without three players in the Spanish capital. Christoph Baumgartner, Assan Ouédraogo and Marc Guiu are all dealing with injuries.

RB Leipzig predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Vandevoordt; Baku, Orbán, Lukeba, Raum; El Aynaoui, Banzuzi; Gruda, Nkunku, Nusa; Rômulo.

Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Real Madrid to win
  • Odds: 1.26 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 RB Leipzig
  • 22Bet Booking Code: PCMGB

Key stats:

  • Real Madrid have won six of their past seven games in all competitions.
  • Mourinho’s men have triumphed in all six home fixtures so far this term.
  • RB Leipzig have suffered four consecutive away defeats.

Across Bundesliga and Champions League away fixtures this season, RB Leipzig have conceded 3.75 goals per 90 minutes on average. Their defensive weaknesses will make it difficult for them to stop a dangerous Real Madrid attack.

The German side have blown hot and cold in recent weeks. They’ve also avoided defeat in two of their past three meetings with Los Blancos. That adds a degree of risk when backing the hosts, but Mourinho’s side are averaging 3.17 goals per game at home across all competitions. They’re still the smart pick to win this clash at 1.26.

Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Kylian Mbappé to score first, including substitutions
  • Odds: 3.4 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: D18GB

Mbappé has tended to start matches brightly. 64% of his goals this term have come before the break, including each of his two Champions League strikes.

The Frenchman took just 14 minutes to break the deadlock in Real Madrid’s last home European fixture against Inter. He’s the value bet to score first here at 3.4.

Verdict: Real Madrid to win (1.26) — Real Madrid 3-1 RB Leipzig.