Brahim Diaz’s 48th-minute strike was enough for Real Madrid to secure victory over RB Leipzig in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie. Real Madrid went into the game on the backdrop of a 4-0 win over Girona in La Liga, and they were clear favorites on their trip to Germany as they have just one defeat from the last 14 such matches against German oppositions.
The first half ended goalless, but that was because VAR disallowed a second-minute strike by RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Benjamin Šeško turned Xaver Schlager’s effort past Andriy Lunin, but while there was an initial suspicion that the Slovenian was offside, there was also a nudge from Benjamin Henrichs on Los Blancos’ goalkeeper, which may well have influenced the decision to disallow the goal.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side was without Jude Bellingham after he picked up an ankle injury in the win over Girona at the weekend, and his absence was felt as they struggled creatively without him.
However, the Spanish side could have led by halftime had Henrichs not cleared Aurélien Tchouaméni’s header off his own line just in the first ten minutes. Leipzig dominated Real Madrid in the first half, so much so that Šeško could’ve netted a hat-trick before the quarter-hour mark. He was set up by the duo of Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo but was denied by Lunin on both occasions.
Marco Rose’s men’s wasteful nature bit them after the break as Brahim Díaz broke the deadlock with a stunning solo effort.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was highly nervous about the dangers that the Germans posed before the game.
“I’m very worried about the match. Concern is an important aspect of preparing for the game. One of the most important things is that they’ve scored 26 goals out of transition. On the break, they’re a formidable team, with extremely fast forwards and great quality. You know Olmo very well, but all four of them are very good.” Ancelloti said before the game.
He will surely not relent when the second leg comes in March, knowing what they could do.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
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