Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti credited goalkeeper Andriy Lunin for a stellar performance in Champions League against Leipzig.
Real Madrid clinched a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in a thrilling Champions League clash, propelled by a stunning solo effort from Brahim Diaz.
The 24-year-old midfielder, stepping in for the injured Jude Bellingham, mesmerized the Leipzig defense with a remarkable solo run, culminating in a perfectly curled shot into the net in the 48th minute.
The Champions League encounter commenced with fervor, as Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko saw an early goal disallowed for offside following a VAR review, injecting a dose of controversy into the match. Real gradually found their groove, with Rodrygo coming close to breaking the deadlock in the opening half. However, it was Brahim Diaz who stole the show with his sheer brilliance. Collecting the ball near the touchline, Diaz weaved past three defenders, displaying exceptional skill and composure before unleashing a shot that eluded goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge posed by the match, stating, “It was tough for us because that’s the way it is here, especially at the start of both halves, where everything was tough, and we knew we would face difficulties.”
Ancelotti praised goalkeeper Andriy Lunin for an outstanding performance, hailing it as the Ukrainian shot-stopper’s finest game.
Leipzig showed resilience in the second half, with Dani Olmo and Sesko fashioning chances, but Lunin’s heroics thwarted their attempts at an equalizer. Ancelotti acknowledged the open nature of the game, stressing, “They could have taken the lead, and they could have also drawn level with us; we have to be honest.”
Despite securing a crucial away victory, Ancelotti remained grounded about the challenge ahead, remarking, “It’s an advantage, but no one thought we would settle the tie here. Everything changes in our stadium.”
The return leg of the Champions League in Spain on March 6 promises to be a closely fought affair.
Brahim Diaz, the night’s hero, reflected on his goal, saying, “I’m intuitive. I initially wanted to pass to Vini (Vinicius Junior), but ultimately decided to take the shot. It turned out to be a beautiful goal.”
