Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz orchestrated a magnificent goal during a solitary run, securing a 1-0 triumph against hosts RB Leipzig on Tuesday and establishing a distinct advantage for their impending Champions League round-of-16 second leg next month.
The 24-year-old, deputizing for the sidelined Jude Bellingham, netted in the 48th minute against the flow of the game.
Real Madrid and Relive Brahim Díaz’s Golazo that Secured the 1st-leg Edge!
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin then exhibited his prowess with a series of saves to safeguard the lead, propelling Madrid to their seventh consecutive victory in this season’s competition.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti remarked, “It proved to be a challenging encounter for us, as expected in this arena. Both the commencement of the first half and the second half posed challenges. Lunin delivered an exceptional performance, arguably his best.”
“In transitions, we posed a threat, and while we could have netted more, we also faced the possibility of equalization. This advantage, albeit marginal, is noteworthy.”
In an animated commencement, the home team believed they had seized the lead when striker Benjamin Sesko nodded in a goal after three minutes. However, his effort was nullified following a VAR review.
The Slovenian had another opportunity before Real gradually restored equilibrium to the game, with Rodrygo, celebrating his 200th appearance for the club, coming close to scoring.
Leipzig resumed their aggression after halftime, yet the home crowd fell silent as Real struck on the counter.
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Brahim Díaz jubilated his splendid individual effort with Vinícius Júnior. Mateo Villalba/Getty Images Díaz seized the ball near the sideline, shrugged off three opponents, maneuvered towards the box, and executed a brilliant shot beyond goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi.
The hosts nearly equalized two minutes later, but Lunin thwarted a Dani Olmo attempt before denying Sesko’s follow-up effort.
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As Leipzig assumed more risks in pursuit of an equalizer, Madrid, biding their time to counter, exploited openings. Vinícius Júnior almost found the net when he deftly redirected the ball onto the post in the 72nd minute.
Lunin remained active throughout the second half, impressively halting Sesko and Olmo once again, while also denying substitute Amadou Haidara’s late-game attempt.
“In the end, it was a remarkable individual effort that determined the outcome,” remarked Leipzig’s Gulacsi. “It’s disheartening for us because we played well and were not the inferior team. The second half was an open contest, and we had our opportunities.”
Madrid faced the absence of several players due to injuries, including the in-form attacking midfielder Bellingham and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The return leg in Spain is scheduled for March 6.