Real Madrid secured a vital 1-0 away win over RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, thanks to a brilliant solo goal by Brahim Diaz. The midfielder, who replaced the injured Jude Bellingham, scored the only goal of the game in the 48th minute with a dazzling run and finish. Diaz also paid tribute to his absent teammate by copying his celebration.
Real Madrid survive early scare
The visitors had to withstand a strong start from the hosts, who thought they had taken the lead in the second minute when Benjamin Sesko headed in from close range. However, the goal was ruled out for offside against Benjamin Henrichs, who was deemed to have interfered with the goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Sesko had two more chances in the opening 10 minutes, but failed to beat Lunin, who was in fine form. The Ukrainian keeper also denied Henrichs and Xaver Schlager from long range, while Aurelien Tchouameni cleared a header off the line for Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the first half, with Vinicius Jr and Eduardo Camavinga having their shots saved by Peter Gulacsi. Toni Kroos also tested the Leipzig keeper with a low drive, but the score remained goalless at the break.
Diaz breaks the deadlock with a stunning goal
The second half started with a bang, as Diaz produced a moment of magic to give Real Madrid the lead. The 24-year-old picked up the ball near the halfway line and dribbled past four defenders before slotting the ball past Gulacsi with his left foot. It was a goal worthy of winning any game, and Diaz celebrated by pointing to the sky and making a heart gesture with his hands, mimicking Bellingham’s trademark celebration.
The goal stunned Leipzig, who had been the better side until then. They tried to respond, but found it hard to break down the Real Madrid defence, which was well organised and disciplined. The closest they came was when David Raum curled a free kick just wide of the post in the 67th minute.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema causing problems with their pace and movement. Benzema had a chance to double the lead in the 76th minute, but his shot was blocked by Gulacsi.
The game ended on a sour note for Diaz, who had to be substituted in the 86th minute after suffering a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Marco Asensio, who almost scored with his first touch, but his volley was saved by Gulacsi.
Real Madrid take a big step towards the quarter-finals
The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought win for Real Madrid, who have now won six of their last seven games in all competitions. They have also kept four clean sheets in a row, showing their defensive solidity.
The result gives them a clear advantage ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu on March 6, where they will hope to seal their place in the quarter-finals. They will also hope to have Bellingham and Diaz back from injury, as they are two of their most influential players this season.
Leipzig, on the other hand, will rue their missed chances in the first half, and will need to produce a remarkable comeback to turn the tie around. They will also need to improve their form in the Bundesliga, where they have lost three of their last four games and slipped to fourth place.
They will look to bounce back on Saturday, when they face Hertha Berlin away, while Real Madrid will host Getafe on Sunday.
