Real Madrid were in trouble at RB Leipzig on Tuesday evening, but managed to win their Champions League round of 16 first leg thanks to a personal exploit from Brahim Diaz (0-1).
Imposing leader of La Liga, but deprived of three of its central defenders (Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger) and its best player, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid suffered to end up winning on the field of RB Leipzig ( 0-1), Tuesday evening, in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League.
The meeting was initially marked by a false controversy. Benjamin Sesko saw his header goal refused when he was not at all offside on a strike from Xaver Schlager (2nd). But, on this attempt by Schlager, Benjamin Henrichs was in an offside position and hit Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, therefore hindering an opponent. The assistant referee’s decision was therefore quickly confirmed by the VAR.
Brahim Diaz’s golazo!
Faced with Roten Bullen who were unable to complete their actions, the Merengues finally opened the scoring at the start of the second half through Brahim Diaz, started in the absence of Bellingham (48th). The left-handed attacking midfielder made a little festival to score a magnificent goal. Enough to save Carlo Ancelotti’s training from a hell of a trap.
Leipzig also failed to equalize afterwards and Andriy Lunin multiplied the saves in the Real goal, notably on attempts by Benjamin Sesko (Loïs Openda had fewer opportunities). Marco Rose’s players should have done much better in the last move. Here they are in a difficult position one month before the return match at the Bernabéu (March 6).