Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid pulled off an amazing goal during a solo run, securing a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig on Tuesday and giving his team a solid advantage heading into the Champions League last-16 second leg next month.
Diaz, stepping up in place of the injured Jude Bellingham, scored against the flow of the game in the 48th minute. Real’s goalkeeper Andriy Lunin then made a series of crucial saves to maintain the lead, extending Real Madrid’s winning streak to seven matches in the competition this season.
The match began energetically with the home team believing they had taken the lead when Benjamin Sesko headed in after just three minutes, only for his goal to be disallowed after a VAR review. Despite Leipzig’s early pressure, Real gradually regained control and threatened through Rodrygo, who was making his 200th appearance for the club.
Leipzig came out stronger after halftime, but Real stunned the home crowd with a swift counterattack. Diaz seized the opportunity, dribbling past three defenders, cutting into the box, and delivering a magnificent curled shot past keeper Peter Gulacsi.
Although Leipzig pushed for an equalizer, Lunin’s heroics denied them on multiple occasions. Real also had chances to extend their lead, with Vinicious Jr hitting the post in the 72nd minute.
Lunin remained busy throughout the second half, thwarting Sesko, Olmo, and substitute Amadou Haidara to secure the victory for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid faced injury setbacks, missing key players like Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois. The return leg in Spain is scheduled for March 6th.
