Demichelis says Madrid will be favourite for Liga and Champions

Under the floodlights of the Santiago Bernabéu, Leipzig fell 4‑1 to Real Madrid, and Martín Demichelis emerged from the dugout to declare that José Mourinho’s Madrid will be one of the favourites for both the upcoming Liga and the Champions.

Demichelis' view on Madrid's strength

Demichelis told EFE that the Mourinho side possesses the quality to challenge for the Liga de Campeones and LaLiga. “Aquí muchas veces pasa lo mismo. Haces un gran partido y después el Madrid te termina ganando,” he said, adding that Madrid’s individual talent makes them hard to match.

He praised his own players for matching the whites in the first half, before Bernardo Silva’s goal gave Real the lead at the break. Demichelis lamented the missed chances, insisting his side deserved at least a goal‑free half.

Demichelis admitted he was not pleased, saying “No estoy muy contento porque nuevamente hemos perdido y hemos encajado cuatro goles.” He added that his side “no merecíamos entrar en el descanso con un gol en contra” and that “El Madrid ha mostrado sus jerarquías y sus capacidades.”

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In the second period Real Madrid asserted control, with Thibaut Courtois making two decisive saves against Rômulo and Nkunku. Demichelis highlighted Courtois’s long‑standing hierarchy, saying the goalkeeper “has shown his authority” throughout the match.

The Argentine also singled out Arda Güler and Yan Diomande as key contributors, noting “Por eso les presionamos alto.” He recalled facing a similar line‑up at Mallorca and was not surprised by Güler’s impact, while Diomande’s future, he said, depends on maturity and technical skill.

Leipzig must tighten defence

Looking ahead, Demichelis warned Leipzig must restore defensive solidity before their next league fixture. “After two and a half days we will be back on the pitch, unable to rotate the eleven, and we must improve in defence to secure three points at home,” he concluded.

His assessment underscores Madrid’s status as a favourite for the Liga and the Champions, while Leipzig faces a swift task to bridge the gap before the season’s crucial home games.