RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid: Brahim Diaz's great goal wins the Champions League first leg

Following the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with RB Leipzig, Real Madrid took the advantage thanks to a great goal from Brahim Dias.

The Spanish midfielder was named in the starting XI as Jude Bellingham was absent due to injury.

His goal put Real in a good position to reach the quarter-finals for the 12th time in the past 14 seasons.

Leipzig frustrated Real until the 48th minute, when former Manchester City midfielder Dias brought down two players on the right touchline, then danced past others and curled the ball into the top corner.

His moment of genius gave Real control of the tie, with the Spanish side hosting the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 6.

However, the Spaniards were unable to add to their tally and came close when Vinicius Junior smashed an impressive Diaz shot wide of the post.

They also thanked goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who kept a clean sheet despite Leipzig having nine shots on target, and the decision to disallow Benjamin Sesko's second-minute header. .

Diaz continues to play in Bellingham's absence

The 14-time European champions are packed with world-class talent, but Bellingham will be noticeably absent after spraining his ankle in Saturday's 4-0 La Liga win over Girona.

The England midfielder has scored or assisted in all five Champions League games he has played for Real so far, contributing seven goals in the group stage, more than any other player.

Without him, Real lacked fluency in attack in the first half, but Díaz, who replaced Bellingham in a midfield attacking role, showed quality and diligence throughout before making a stunning breakthrough. showed that.

Diaz also recreated Bellingham's celebration, imitating his teammates standing with arms outstretched after scoring. This was echoed by the England player, who posted: “Oh my god, Brahim!” Reply with X.

However, there were second-half concerns for Real as Diaz was forced to leave in the closing stages with a serious calf injury, and Diaz himself picked up an injury.

Diaz's goal was a magical moment amid Real's uneven performance. Leipzig created many chances and easily could have at least secured a draw, while Sesco could have scored a hat-trick in the first 10 minutes.

Leipzig is hardworking but wasteful

Two minutes later, Sesco headed the second ball after Dani Carvajal played a loose pass into the corner, but the shot was called off after Benjamin Henriks was ruled offside and interfered with goalkeeper Lunin. .

Moments later, the tall Slovenian striker struggled to connect with a lofted through ball before being denied a one-on-one by Lunin's feet.

Lunin was forced into the game in the closing stages, making sure to stop Xavi Simons, Sesco and Amadou Haidara in succession as the hosts looked to equalize.

The Ukrainian started this season as Real's third-choice keeper, but after Thibaut Courtois was injured at the end of the season, he replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga, and his performances have earned him the trust of coach Carlo Ancelotti. I showed you the reason why.

Real's frustration was concentrated in Carvajal. Carvajal avoided sending off for hurting Simmons in the first half, but he complained almost constantly to the officials and was lucky to finally be given a card in the second half.

Leipzig had a clear underdog start – they lost twice to Manchester City in the group stage and are 18 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga – but they went into this game with a plan. .

They scored the most goals during the group stage break and took the most shots from counter-attacks, reaching the same level as Real, and Leipzig were looking to make the most of those situations here.

Leipzig's deep defense did a mostly good job of restricting Real, but could not prevent Diaz's attacks and were credited to the woodwork for keeping the score tied.