Real Madrid‘s Brahim Díaz scored a stunning goal after a solo run as they beat hosts RB Leipzig 1-0 on Tuesday to take a clear advantage into their Champions League round-of-16 second leg next month.
The 24-year-old, filling in for the injured Jude Bellingham, struck against the run of play in the 48th minute.
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Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin then came to the rescue with a string of saves to protect the lead as Madrid made it seven straight wins in the competition this season.
“It was difficult for us, that’s how it is here,” Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “The start of the first half and second half were difficult. Lunin played a great game, the best game.
“We were dangerous in transitions, we could have scored more but we could also have tied. This is a small advantage.”
In a lively start the home side thought they had gone ahead when striker Benjamin Sesko headed in after three minutes. His effort though was disallowed following a VAR review.
The Slovenian had another chance before Real gradually brought some balance to the game and came close themselves through Rodrygo, making his 200th appearance for the club.
Leipzig were again more aggressive after half-time but the home crowd was silenced when Real struck on the break.
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Diaz picked up the ball near the sideline, shook off three players, cut in towards the box and curled a superb shot past keeper Péter Gulácsi.
The hosts almost drew level two minutes later but Lunin stopped a Dani Olmo shot before blocking Sesko’s rebound effort.
With Leipzig taking more risks in search of an equaliser, Madrid, waiting to break, found openings and almost scored again when Vinícius Júnior flicked the ball onto the post in the 72nd.
Lunin was kept busy throughout the second half and did well to deny Sesko and Olmo again before also keeping out substitute Amadou Haidara‘s effort late in the game.
“In the end it was a great solo effort that decided the game,” Leipzig’s Gulacsi said. “It is frustrating for us because we played well and were not the worse team of the two. It was an open game in the second half and we had our chances.”
Madrid were missing several players through injury, including in-form attacking midfielder Bellingham and keeper Thibaut Courtois. The return leg in Spain is on March 6.