Real Madrid remain on track to reach their 12th quarter-final in the past 14 seasons after a narrow 1-0 win against RB Leipzig in Germany.
In a scrappy affair, a stunning goal by Brahim Diaz proved to be the difference three minutes after half-time. The Spanish midfielder started in place of Jude Bellingham, who missed the game due to injury.
Leipzig frustrated Real until the 48th minute, when former Manchester City midfielder Diaz turned on the right touchline and beat two players, before dancing past several others and curling the ball into the top corner.
Vinicius Jr failed to extend Madrid’s advantage when he struck the post after being set up by Diaz. Leipzig were also impressive but couldn’t find the back of the net despite nine shots on target thanks to goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The win caps off a satisfying few days for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, having beat surprise title contenders Girona 4-0 at the weekend in La Liga.
Diaz steps up in Bellingham’s absence
Englishman Jude Bellingham has been the talisman for Real Madrid this season and will be central to their success both domestically and in Europe. The England midfielder had either scored or assisted in all five of his Champions League appearances for Real so far. But his injury in the win over Girona meant Madrid had to do without him.
Diaz, who replaced Bellingham in the attacking midfield role, showed quality and industry throughout before brilliantly providing the breakthrough.
Diaz further replicated Bellingham with his celebration, copying his team-mate in standing with arms wide after scoring. It earned the approval of the England international too, who posted “oh my god Brahim!” on X in response.
The teams will meet again in March in Spain, but for now, Madrid can turn their attention to extending their La Liga lead at the top when they travel to Rayo Vallecano at the weekend.
Sherjeel Malik is the editor at FanHaat with a writing experience in multiple sports. He oversees the editorial and content coverage at FanHaat and writes often around combat sports, football and other marquee sports. A professional highlight of his career was when WWE’s Paul Heyman shared one of his articles on his social media.
Apart from writing, editing and watching sports, he likes to indulge in reading fiction, watching war documentaries and is a fan of Liverpool FC
