NEW DELHI:
Real Madrid
clinched a vital 1-0 victory away at
RB Leipzig
in the first leg of the
Champions League
last 16, propelled by an extraordinary solo goal from midfielder
Brahim Diaz
.
The match commenced with RB
Leipzig
showcasing vigor but lacking the finishing touch, while Real Madrid's goalkeeper Andriy Lunin proved pivotal with numerous crucial saves, notably after Leipzig's contentious disallowed goal for offside.
In the early stages of the second half, Diaz's moment of brilliance broke the deadlock. The stand-in for the injured Jude Bellingham demonstrated exceptional skill, maneuvering past three Leipzig defenders before delivering a precision strike into the net. Reflecting on his remarkable goal, Diaz remarked, "I'm intuitive... It was a nice goal."
Toni Kroos, Real Madrid's midfielder, lauded Diaz's individual contribution, acknowledging, "a piece of individual skill decided the game." Conversely, Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi expressed frustration, stating, "a lucky punch decided the game."
Despite the absence of key players like Bellingham and makeshift defensive arrangements, Real Madrid continued their impressive Champions League campaign with a seventh consecutive victory.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose highlighted his team's fearless approach against Real Madrid, drawing upon their previous triumph over the Spanish giants. Kroos criticized the contentious decision to disallow Leipzig's early goal, asserting, "The goalkeeper would not have got to the ball, so it was a goal."
Leipzig had their opportunities but failed to capitalize, with Real Madrid's resilient defense and Lunin's crucial saves thwarting their efforts.
Diaz's momentous goal proved decisive, positioning Real Madrid favorably ahead of the return leg in the Spanish capital on March 6th. As the Champions League drama unfolds, fans anticipate another thrilling encounter between these two European heavyweights.
(With inputs from AFP)
English (US) ·