Real Madrid achieved a valuable victory on their visit to Leipzig in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League. A solitary goal from Brahim Díaz in the second half was enough for the whites to take the victory, although the joy was dampened by the injury of Brahim himself, who left the field in tears.
Real Madrid did not have a good start to the game. Leipzig dominated and frequently created danger, while the whites were imprecise and without ideas. The Germans even scored a goal in the 2nd minute, but it was disallowed for being offside.
The second half began with the same tone, but in the 50th minute, Brahim Díaz unmarked himself in the area and with a precise left foot shot beat the Leipzig goalkeeper. The goal from the Malaga native changed the panorama of the match and Real Madrid took control of the game.
Real Madrid was able to extend its lead on the scoreboard, but Vinicius Jr. missed a clear chance in the 70th minute. The Brazilian was left alone against the goalkeeper, but his shot hit the post.
Leipzig went on the attack in the last minutes of the game, but found themselves with Lunin, in a state of grace. The Ukrainian goalkeeper made several saving saves that prevented the Germans from tying.
Real Madrid takes a positive result from its visit to Leipzig, but Brahim Díaz’s injury leaves a bittersweet taste. The whites will have to wait for the return leg of the tie at the Santiago Bernabeu to find out if they will be able to seal their place in the quarter-finals.