Superb Diaz strike earns Real Madrid win at Leipzig

Jago News Desk Published: 14 February 2024, 03:49 PM | Updated: 14 February 2024, 04:14 PM
Superb Diaz strike earns Real Madrid win at Leipzig
Brahim Díaz is chased by Vinícius Júnior as they celebrate Real Madrid taking the lead. Photo: Getty Images via The Guardian

A brilliant goal by Brahim Diaz handed Real Madrid the advantage following the first leg of their Champions League last-16 meeting with RB Leipzig.

Diaz curled a superb finish into the top corner three minutes after half-time to give Real the win in Germany.

The Spanish midfielder started in place of Jude Bellingham, who missed the game due to injury.

His goal puts Real in a good position to reach the quarter-finals for the 12th time in the past 14 seasons.

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.

The Spaniards could not add to their score however, coming closest when Vinicius Jr struck the outside of the post having been set through by the impressive Diaz.

They were also grateful to goalkeeper Andriy Lunin - who kept a clean sheet despite Leipzig having nine shots on target - and for the decision to disallow Benjamin Sesko's second-minute header.

Real host the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on 6 March.

Source: BBC