Despite going on a solo run, Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid scored a fantastic goal to give his team a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig on Tuesday and a definite edge in the Champions League Round of 16 the following month.
Despite being hurt, 24-year-old rising star Jod “Jovic” Belingham played against the flow of play in the 48th minute.
Subsequently, Real Madrid won seven games in a row thanks to a number of vital saves made by goalie Andriy Lunin to preserve the lead.
Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid, acknowledged that it was a difficult game for his team, saying, “The first half and the second half were difficult.” Lunin had the finest performance of all.
“We were dangerous in transition; we could have scored more, but a tie is also a small advantage.”
After three minutes, home team Leipzig appeared to have taken the lead thanks to a drive forward by striker Benjamin Sesko. After a VAR review, his effort was first recognized, but it was then reversed.
Before Real gradually restored some balance to the match and took the lead thanks to a Rodrigo goal—the striker’s 200th for the team—the Slovenian Jovic had another chance.
Leipzig redoubled their aggression after the break, but Real’s counterattack eased the home team’s strong pressure. Lifting the ball close to the sideline, Diaz cut inside the box, outwitted three players, and sent a stunning shot past goalie Peter Gulacsi.
Two minutes later, the hosts came dangerously close to equalizing, but Lunin denied Leipzig a rebound attempt by Dani Olmo.
Leipzig kept up the pressure in an attempt to draw even, but Real Madrid, waiting for the chance, took the lead once more in the 72nd minute when Vinicius Junior threw the ball into the net.
Madrid celebrated, securing an early advantage in the Round of 16, but Leipzig persisted in trying to make a comeback and increased their risks.
“It’s disappointing for us because we played well, and it was not a bad team,” coach Ancelotti said, commending the effort. We had opportunities in the second half, which was an open game.”
Leipzig’s Galaxy praised the finest single effort that won the game even if they agreed that it was a frustrating conclusion. “We felt that we performed well, and neither team was superior, which is upsetting for us. We had opportunities in the second half, which was an open game.”
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and in-form offensive midfielder Belingham were among the injured players whom Real Madrid remembered. In Spain, the return leg is slated on March 6.
