(Football news) After failing to provide much of an offensive threat in the first half, Brahim’s outstanding solo effort three minutes into the second half gave Real Madrid a decisive advantage and his ninth goal in the league this season.
It was up to goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to make a series of vital saves with a slender lead to defend so Los Blancos could go back to the Spanish capital with the upper hand in the first leg. Following a commanding 4-0 victory over title challengers Girona in Saturday’s La Liga match, Real Madrid made the trip to Germany with a positive attitude.
Although Michel’s team hardly ever put Los Blancos to the test, they were under pressure early on at Red Bull Arena. For a brief moment, it appeared as though Benjamin Sesko had given the home team the lead in the second minute, but the officials chalked off his header because they believed Benjamin Henrichs, who was not onside, was interfering with play.
The 20-year-old had another good chance after latching onto a deft through pass from Dani Olmo, but he was only able to shoot straight at the unwavering Lunin. Real Madrid struggled to find a cutting edge in the first half, as Leipzig posed a higher threat and they were without Jude Bellingham, who was hurt.
After the interval, though, things swiftly turned around as Brahim scored a spectacular solo goal to give Real Madrid a crucial advantage.
After coming in for Bellingham, the 24-year-old made a move to the inside from the right flank and then blasted a left-footed shot that evaded Peter Gulacsi and struck the far corner.
To prevent Olmo and Sesko from bringing the score back even, Lunin had to make a crucial double at the other end of the field. Lunin produced another crucial save just as the game approached the 70th minute, stopping Olmo and launching a counterattack on behalf of Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior found room to poke a shot towards goal in a matter of seconds, but it ricocheted off the far post. Lunin proved his worth to Carlo Ancelotti’s team by making two saves in quick succession to deny Sesko and Xavi Simons as Leipzig increased their efforts to find a late equalizer.
After only a few moments, the Ukrainian goalie deflected Amadou Haidara’s attempt to give the first leg victory and frustrate the hosts. Leipzig will have a substantial task ahead of them when they visit the Santiago Bernabeu at the beginning of March, having suffered their fourth loss in the previous six games.
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