On the eve of Real Madrid v RB Leipzig in the Champions League, José Mourinho confirmed Vinicius Junior will start on the left wing and left Yan Diomandé, despite his fine form, with no answer on his fate.
It was at his pre-match press conference that Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho partially lifted the veil on his attack. On Tuesday 20 October, he confirmed that Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior will start on the left wing against RB Leipzig, according to GSFN. One certainty that dispels another: the one surrounding Yan Diomandé, whose participation remains an unknown.
The Portuguese coach explained that the 19-year-old Ivorian winger “doesn’t know whether he will play or not”, the same source reports. Diomandé has therefore received no guarantees before facing his former club, even though he has just caught the eye twice in the league.
Diomandé, brilliant form without guarantees
On Sunday, in the 4-1 win over Sevilla FC in La Liga, Diomandé scored a superb goal and provided an assist. On 10 October, he had already scored the winning goal (1-0) against Villarreal. Signed from Leipzig by Real Madrid in the summer of 2026 for a record fee estimated at €140 million, he now faces his former club.
Mourinho also highlighted the player’s professionalism, mentioning his regular extra sessions with the physiotherapists in the afternoon. According to Goal.com, the coach also said: “Nobody is untouchable. I don’t like this concept of an untouchable player. What makes a player untouchable is his performance on the pitch.”
Vinicius, keeping the Champions League rhythm
Vinicius Junior, for his part, is serving a four-match suspension in La Liga after his sending-off against Villarreal. Mourinho stressed that the Champions League gives him the opportunity to keep up his competitive rhythm.
Real Madrid have also won their first two Champions League matches this season, against two Italian clubs: 2-1 against Inter, then 4-3 away to AS Roma.
Wednesday, at the Santiago Bernabéu
The Champions League matchday 3 clash between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig takes place on Wednesday 21 October at 21:00 at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, according to UEFA.com. Diomandé still does not know whether he will start the match against his former club.