On Tuesday, Brahim Díaz delivered a stunning goal that secured a 1-0 victory for a beleaguered Real Madrid, giving them a slight edge in their Champions League round of 16 matchup with RB Leipzig. The 24-year-old’s exceptional play marked the sole goal in the initial match, positioning the Spanish powerhouse with a narrow lead as they head into the second leg at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid on March 6.
Díaz’s Spectacular Goal Against Leipzig
In a match where the host managed to neutralize the 14-time European champion throughout the initial half, the situation changed dramatically in the 48th minute when Díaz took center stage. Starting from the right sideline, he skillfully deceived a defender with a clever body feint, then proceeded to weave his way past two additional Leipzig players, demonstrating remarkable balance and agility to stay upright against physical challenges. Finding himself within striking distance, Díaz executed a masterful left-footed curler that nestled into the top corner, showcasing his impeccable shooting prowess. Carlo Ancelotti, in awe of Díaz’s brilliance, highlighted the goal as not only a testament to his confidence but also to his exceptional work ethic on the field, describing the goal as nothing short of spectacular.
After a three-year loan spell with AC Milan, Brahim Díaz returned to Madrid this season and immediately made his presence felt, even in the absence of regular playtime. In a crucial match missing key players like the standout Bellingham and central defender Antonio Rüdiger, Díaz seized the moment to shine. He celebrated his goal by mimicking Bellingham’s signature move, a gesture that drew an ecstatic response from the English midfielder on X, the platform previously known as Twitter: “Oh my god Brahim!!!” Despite Díaz’s limited time on the field due to a calf injury that sidelined him towards the game’s end, his performance was lauded, earning him the Player of the Match title. Fortunately, post-match, Díaz seemed to manage walking unaided, suggesting the injury might not be severe.
Lunin’s Heroics Preserve Madrid’s Winning Streak
In a match where Real Madrid appeared significantly below their usual standards, third-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin emerged as the unexpected hero, securing a victory for the team. With a depleted lineup, Madrid struggled to find their rhythm but Lunin’s exceptional performance, highlighted by several crucial saves, kept their defense impenetrable. His standout moment came with a remarkable save that denied Amadou Haidara’s volley in the final moments, ensuring Madrid maintained a clean sheet. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge faced by the team, particularly at the beginning of each half, but praised Lunin for his outstanding contribution, calling it his best game.
The match also saw a controversial moment when RB Leipzig’s early goal was nullified due to an offside call. Although Benjamin Šeško, the scorer, was onside, his teammate Benjamin Henrichs was deemed to have been in an offside position and interfering with Lunin. Despite the minimal impact Henrichs had on Lunin’s ability to save the header, the decision stood after VAR review, much to Leipzig’s frustration.
This victory marks Real Madrid’s seventh consecutive win in the Champions League, boosting their confidence as they eye a spot in the quarterfinals, especially with the advantage of playing the return leg at the formidable Santiago Bernabéu.
In other Champions League news, Manchester City triumphed over FC Copenhagen with a 3-1 victory in their first leg of the last-16, thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant performance. De Bruyne was instrumental in all three goals, highlighting his critical role in Manchester City’s success as they continue their defense of the Champions League title.
