Real Madrid gained the upper hand in their Champions League last-16 clash against RB Leipzig after Brahim Diaz scored a superb goal in the first leg.
Three minutes into the second half, Diaz executed a magnificent curling finish into the top corner, securing the victory for Real Madrid in Germany.
The Spanish midfielder filled in for the injured Jude Bellingham. This crucial goal positions Real favorably to advance to the quarter-finals for the 12th time in the last 14 seasons.
Until the 48th minute, Leipzig managed to frustrate Real. However, Diaz, the former Manchester City midfielder, changed the course of the game as he maneuvered past two players on the right touchline, dribbled past several others, and elegantly curled the ball into the top corner.
Despite several opportunities, Real couldn’t add to their tally, with Vinicius Jr coming closest as his shot struck the outside of the post following an impressive play by Diaz.
The team also relied on goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who maintained a clean sheet despite Leipzig’s nine shots on target, and benefited from a decision that disallowed Benjamin Sesko’s second-minute header.
Real will host the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on March 6th.
Diaz steps up in Bellingham absence
Despite having a wealth of elite quality, the 14-time European champions are obviously missing Bellingham, who hurt his ankle during their 4-0 La Liga victory over Girona on Saturday.
In his five Champions League games for Real thus far, the England midfielder has either scored or assisted on seven goals, which is more than any other player in the group stage.
Without him, Real Madrid struggled to attack with consistency in the first half. However, Diaz, who took Bellingham’s place in the attacking midfield role, displayed talent and work ethic all game long until coming up with the game-winning play.
Diaz further replicated Bellingham with his celebration, copying his team-mate in standing with arms wide after scoring. It earned the approval of the England international too, who posted “oh my god Brahim!” on X in response.
There was late concern for Real however as Diaz was forced off in the final minutes with a serious-looking calf injury.
Diaz’s goal was a moment of magic in an uneven performance from Real – Leipzig created plenty of chances and could easily have taken at least a draw, while Sesko could have had a hat-trick in the opening 10 minutes.
Leipzig industrious but wasteful
Following Dani Carvajal’s errant pass, which led to a corner just two minutes into the match, Sesko managed to head the ball into the net, only for the goal to be disallowed due to Benjamin Henrichs being offside and obstructing goalkeeper Lunin.
Shortly after, the towering Slovenian striker narrowly missed connecting with a lofted pass before being thwarted in a one-on-one situation by Lunin’s legs.
Lunin remained pivotal throughout the game, producing a series of crucial saves late on, particularly against Xavi Simons, Sesko, and Amadou Haidara, as the hosts pushed for an equalizer.
Starting the season as Real’s third-choice goalkeeper, Lunin has since stepped up in the absence of Thibaut Courtois due to injury, surpassing Kepa Arrizabalaga and demonstrating why manager Carlo Ancelotti trusts him with performances like this one.
Real’s frustrations were evident, exemplified by Carvajal’s actions. He narrowly escaped a booking in the first half for a challenge on Simons and eventually received a yellow card in the second half after continuous complaints to the officials.
Leipzig, initially considered clear underdogs, having suffered two defeats against Manchester City in the group stage and trailing Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 18 points, entered the game with a strategic approach.
Entering the game, they were on par with Real Madrid for the highest number of goals scored on the counter-attack in the group stage, as well as leading in shots generated from such situations. Leipzig aimed to capitalize on these strengths during the match.
While Leipzig’s defensive line generally performed well in containing Real Madrid, they were unable to prevent Diaz’s decisive strike, and they relied on the woodwork to maintain hope in the tie.