Diaz’s second-half strike seals Real Madrid’s victory over RB Leipzig

Brahim Diaz scored in the second-half as Real Madrid secured victory over host RB Leipzig in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie.

The hosts did put the ball in the back of the net two minutes into the encounter through Benjamin Sesko, only to see the goal ruled out by the VAR in a controversial manner.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled in the first half, as the Red Bulls kept on charging, with Sesko particularly missing a couple of chances to put his side ahead, as impressive Andriy Lunin kept denying the Slovenian to keep Madrid in the game into the halftime break.

Diaz second half masterclass

Before the break, Marco Rose’s men posed the greater threat, but their profligacy haunted them a few minutes into the second half, as Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock with a brilliant solo goal in the 48th minute.

Leipzig concentrated their efforts on getting a leveller, but Lunin’s saves frustrated their efforts. The shot-stopper denied Sesko and made a spectacular stop from Haidara’s volley late in the match, ensuring Real Madrid’s slight advantage heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Andriy Lunin did his best Courtois impression.

He had NINE saves in Real Madrid's win over Leipzig in his first-ever knockout game 🧤 pic.twitter.com/4uGMzHqIqL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 13, 2024