It was a cracker as La Liga giants Real Madrid crossed swords with RB Leipzig in Germany in Champions League round 16 first leg at the Red Bull Arena. It was a brilliant and promising opening few minutes for RB Leipzig, who started the game on the front foot.
Just three minutes into the game, the Los Blancos found themselves trailing after Leipzig's corner-kick. Lunin cleared the corner as far as the end of the penalty area where it meets Schlager. Schlager's attempt bumps on the ground volleyed up into the back post where an unmarked Sesko headed it into the back of the net. However, the flag was raised and the lead chalked off.
After Sesko's goal was canceled, the two sides struggled to create good chances all to no avail. It was an extremely tight affair with Leipzig matching Real Madrid's force with an equal attacking flair and possession.
The first half ended barren but it was a promising first 45 for both sides. RB Leipzig dominated possession, winning 56% of the ball but were not as deadly as their opponents in the attack. While Real Madrid seemed to be contented with Leipzig's dominance with possession, the Los Blancos held the danger when crossing into Leipzig's final third. They recorded more touches in Leipzig's half but could only manage just one shot on target in their three attempts.
Leipzig were as well efficient in defense as they were with possession; their efforts were good enough to hold off their opponents to a draw at the break.
Real Madrid got off to a sensational start in the second half thanks to the individual brilliance of Brahma Diaz. The 24-year-old scored a superb solo goal to fire the La Liga and European giants into the lead. Receiving the ball close to the touchline, Diaz breezed pass several Leipzig defenders with his twists and turns before curling an effort from outside the box into the top corner.
Leipzig goalkeeper Gulasci was helpless as the ball curled into the back of the net from Diaz's masterclass. The goal opened up the game as Real Madrid tried to defend and secure the lead with another goal while the hosts ramped up pressure to find the equaliser.
The two sides came close to chances to make a statement but could not find a breakthrough. In the end, Brahima Diaz's goal proved decisive as Real Madrid edged out the Bundesliga outfit to go into the second leg with an advantage.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
Just three minutes into the game, the Los Blancos found themselves trailing after Leipzig's corner-kick. Lunin cleared the corner as far as the end of the penalty area where it meets Schlager. Schlager's attempt bumps on the ground volleyed up into the back post where an unmarked Sesko headed it into the back of the net. However, the flag was raised and the lead chalked off.
After Sesko's goal was canceled, the two sides struggled to create good chances all to no avail. It was an extremely tight affair with Leipzig matching Real Madrid's force with an equal attacking flair and possession.
The first half ended barren but it was a promising first 45 for both sides. RB Leipzig dominated possession, winning 56% of the ball but were not as deadly as their opponents in the attack. While Real Madrid seemed to be contented with Leipzig's dominance with possession, the Los Blancos held the danger when crossing into Leipzig's final third. They recorded more touches in Leipzig's half but could only manage just one shot on target in their three attempts.
Leipzig were as well efficient in defense as they were with possession; their efforts were good enough to hold off their opponents to a draw at the break.
Real Madrid got off to a sensational start in the second half thanks to the individual brilliance of Brahma Diaz. The 24-year-old scored a superb solo goal to fire the La Liga and European giants into the lead. Receiving the ball close to the touchline, Diaz breezed pass several Leipzig defenders with his twists and turns before curling an effort from outside the box into the top corner.
Leipzig goalkeeper Gulasci was helpless as the ball curled into the back of the net from Diaz's masterclass. The goal opened up the game as Real Madrid tried to defend and secure the lead with another goal while the hosts ramped up pressure to find the equaliser.
The two sides came close to chances to make a statement but could not find a breakthrough. In the end, Brahima Diaz's goal proved decisive as Real Madrid edged out the Bundesliga outfit to go into the second leg with an advantage.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS