Real Madrid defeated RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 match thanks to a spectacular goal from Brahim Diaz.
Three minutes after halftime, Diaz curled a fantastic goal into the top corner to give Real the victory in Germany.
Jude Bellingham, who was injured and unable to play, was replaced in the starting lineup by the Spanish midfielder.
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Real is well-positioned to make it to the quarterfinals for the twelfth time in the last fourteen seasons thanks to his goal.
Leipzig held Real Madrid at bay until the 48th minute, when former Manchester City midfielder Diaz dribbled past two defenders, then dribbled past a few more and curled the ball into the upper corner.
Despite being set through by the excellent Diaz, Vinicius Jr. missed the outside of the post, and the Spaniards were unable to increase their lead.
They also expressed gratitude to goalie Andriy Lunin, who stopped nine Leipzig attempts on goal while maintaining a clean sheet, and for the call to deny Benjamin Sesko’s header in the second minute.
The second leg is hosted by Real on March 6 at Santiago Bernabeu.
The 14-time European winners are stacked with elite players, but Bellingham, who hurt his ankle during Saturday’s 4-0 La Liga victory against Girona, is obviously missed.
The England midfielder has contributed to seven goals in his five Champions League games for Real so far, which is more than any other player in the group stage.
Real Madrid’s offence was lacklustre in the first half without him, but Diaz—who took Bellingham’s place in the attacking midfield role—showed talent and work ethic all the way up to a masterful breakaway.
Diaz mimicked his teammate’s celebration even more by standing with his arms spread wide after scoring. The England international liked it too, posting on X, “oh my god Brahim!” in response.
But in the last minutes, Diaz was taken off with what appeared to be a major leg injury, raising serious concerns for Real.
In an uneven Real Madrid effort, Diaz’s goal was a moment of brilliance. Sesko could have scored a hat-trick in the first ten minutes, and Leipzig had plenty of chances to at least take a point.
