According to a report by Madrid Universal on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has warned RB Leipzig ahead of their Champions League meeting, predicting another heavy defeat if the German side fails to improve its performance against elite opposition.

Madrid will have an opportunity to strengthen their position in the Champions League standings with victory, while Leipzig arrive following a disappointing start to their domestic and European campaigns.

The German side suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat against Bayern Munich in their previous match, leaving Kroos concerned about their mentality and inability to compete effectively against stronger opponents.

Speaking ahead of Leipzig’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, the former Germany international suggested that another one-sided encounter could follow unless Martin Demichelis’ team responds with greater determination.

“Now they’re going to Madrid. It will be exactly the same there as in Munich. If they don’t start reacting in matches like this, if they don’t put up a fight, if they don’t show more confidence from the beginning, they’ll get thrashed again,” Kroos said, according to Diario AS.

The former Real Madrid midfielder also criticised Leipzig’s performance against Bayern, suggesting that other teams with fewer ambitions had demonstrated greater resistance when facing the Bundesliga champions.

“Other teams with less ambition have behaved differently, even against Bayern,” Kroos added, expressing his disappointment with Leipzig’s approach.

Leipzig have recorded three victories from their opening six Bundesliga matches and currently occupy seventh position, trailing leading sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Their Champions League campaign has also been inconsistent, beginning with a 4-1 defeat against Como before recovering with a narrow 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven.

However, facing Real Madrid presents another significant challenge for Demichelis and his players, who must improve defensively and demonstrate greater confidence to avoid another disappointing result.

Madrid cannot afford to underestimate their opponents, though, as Leipzig possess several talented players capable of causing problems despite their recent struggles.

Particular attention will surround Yan Diomande, who is preparing to face his former club after completing a reported €140 million move to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.

The Ivorian winger’s performance against Leipzig will be closely watched as Madrid seek victory and their opponents attempt to silence Kroos’ prediction.