Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti credited goalkeeper Andriy Lunin for a stellar performance in Champions League against Leipzig
Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win against RB Leipzig, thanks to a breathtaking solo goal from Brahim Diaz in a pulsating Champions League encounter.
The 24-year-old midfielder, filling in for the injured Jude Bellingham, left the Leipzig defence in awe with a dazzling run and a perfectly curled shot into the net in the 48th minute.
The Champions League match began with high energy, as Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko had an early goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review, adding an element of controversy to the proceedings. Real gradually found their rhythm, with Rodrygo coming close to breaking the deadlock in the first half.
However, it was Brahim Diaz who stole the spotlight with his brilliance. Picking up the ball near the sideline, Diaz navigated through three defenders, showcasing exceptional skill and composure before delivering a shot that beat goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty of the match, saying, “It was hard for us because that’s the way it is here, especially at the beginning of the first half and the second, where everything was difficult, and we knew we would suffer.”
Ancelotti credited goalkeeper Andriy Lunin for a stellar performance, describing it as the best game for the Ukrainian shot-stopper.
Leipzig fought valiantly in the second half, with Dani Olmo and Sesko creating opportunities, but Lunin’s heroics denied them an equaliser. Ancelotti recognised the open nature of the game, emphasising, “They could have taken the lead on the scoreboard, and they could also have tied us; we have to be honest.”
Despite securing a crucial away win, Ancelotti remained pragmatic about the task ahead, saying, “It’s an advantage, but no one had the idea that we would kill the tie here. In our stadium, everything is different.”
The return Champions League leg in Spain on March 6 promises to be a closely contested battle.
Brahim Diaz, the hero of the night, reflected on his goal, saying, “I’m intuitive. I saw Vini (Vinicius Junior) and wanted to give it to him, but in the end, I took the shot. It was a nice goal.”
