Brahim Diaz’s stunning solo goal was enough to see Real Madrid edge out RB Leipzig 1-0 in their first leg encounter of the Champions League at the Red Bull Arena in Germany.
The 24-year old who was deputizing for the injured Jude Bellingham, broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half, picking up the ball from the wide right; spanning away from the challenge of David Raum then cutting inside Xavi Simmons before curling a left-foot shot past Leipzig keeper Peter Gulasci.
The Spanish side looked out of sorts for most of the match, as they lacked the creativity that 20-year old Bellingham offers in the attacking third, and will count themselves lucky that the hosts didn’t capitalize on the chances they had.
Bellingham is facing two to three weeks on the sidelines with a sprained ankle leaving Carlo Ancellotti’s side in a turbulent time, as the English International has registered 4 goals and three assists in five matches.
He has also been involved in 19 goals for the Los Blancos season, with 16 goals and 3 assists in 21 matches.
Madrid take a slender lead into the second leg of the encounter and will be wary of Benjamin Sesko’s attacking prowess infront of goal, as the Slovenian could have easily bagged a first half hat-trick despite the heroics of keeper Andriy Lunin, and with a goal chalked off as Benjamin Henrich strode offside, Leipzig have all to play for in the next leg.
The two teams will face off in the second leg of the tie on March 6th at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
John Njuguna
