Yan Diomandé, the 21-year-old Ivory Coast international right winger, is reported to be starting on Real Madrid’s right flank against RB Leipzig on Wednesday 21 October, on matchday 3 of the Champions League. The news comes from the specialist press.
The specialist press reported on 20 October that Yan Diomandé will start on Real Madrid’s right flank for the visit of RB Leipzig on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at the Santiago Bernabéu, on matchday 3 of the Champions League league phase (source: Afrik-Foot).
Aged 21, the Ivorian winger already has 4 goals and 3 assists in 9 appearances in the Merengues shirt this season, according to Afrik-Foot. He has established himself as one of Ivory Coast’s major breakthrough stars on the European continental stage in 2026.
Mourinho banks on the attack
To face Leipzig, head coach José Mourinho favours Diomandé’s impact alongside Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé in the attacking department, Foot Africa reports. The Ivorian is therefore expected to start on the right flank.
A top 8 place to secure
Real Madrid currently sit 8th in the league phase, after two wins against Inter Milan and AS Roma (source: Afrik-Foot). A win against Leipzig would allow them to secure a place in the top 8, which qualifies directly for the round of 16.
Leipzig, for their part, have only 3 points, after a defeat against Como and a win against PSV Eindhoven. Brazilian striker Romulo (1 goal in 5 appearances) and Christopher Nkunku will lead the German attack, according to the same source.
Konaté: a reunion and ambitions
Ibrahima Konaté, Real Madrid’s centre-back, spoke at a press conference at Ciudad Real Madrid about this reunion with his former German club. “Tomorrow is a very special match for me because I’m going to play against my former club, I’m very happy to see my former teammates again and we really want to win,” he said (source: Real Madrid CF).
Kick-off for Real Madrid v RB Leipzig is scheduled for Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 21:00. The Liga Clásico against FC Barcelona is set for the following weekend.