Diaz lone goal helps Real Madrid to narrow first-leg win at RB Leipzig

Real Madrid secured a triumphant win over RB Leipzig in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 encounter, courtesy of an exceptional goal by Brahim Diaz. This remarkable victory further solidifies their dominant track record against German teams, with only a single loss in their previous 14 encounters.

During the first half, neither team managed to score a goal. However, the hosts did find the back of the net within the first two minutes, only to have the goal controversially disallowed. Benjamin Sesko turned Xaver Schlager's shot into the net, but it was ruled out, possibly due to a push from Benjamin Henrichs on the opposing goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin.

Carlo Ancelotti's team faced difficulties in terms of creativity without their key player, Jude Bellingham, who was sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in their previous victory against Girona.

Henrichs, who had already prevented his own team from scoring, cleared Aurelien Tchouameni's header off the goal line just before the 10-minute mark.

Leipzig, on the other hand, displayed better performance and Sesko himself had multiple opportunities to score a hat-trick within the first 15 minutes. Despite his disallowed goal, he was set up by Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo, only to be denied by Lunin on both occasions.

Before halftime, Marco Rose's team posed a greater threat, but their inability to convert chances would soon come back to haunt them.

Brahim Diaz was brought in as a replacement for Bellingham and he embraced the responsibility with ease. He broke the deadlock with an impressive individual effort, receiving the ball on the right side and skillfully maneuvering past four Leipzig defenders before curling a left-footed shot from the edge of the box, beating Péter Gulácsi.

The Spaniard's goal stood out as a moment of brilliance in an otherwise intense match. Despite Los Blancos' quick breakaway after the hour mark, Schlager's well-timed sliding challenge prevented Rodrygo from taking a shot.

The away team continued to press for a second goal and came agonizingly close as Diaz set up Vinicius Junior, only for the Brazilian's attempt to hit the post.

The home team fought hard to equalize in the closing stages, but Lunin's exceptional performance denied Sesko from a tight angle and made a spectacular save from Haidara's dipping volley.

As a result, the La Liga leaders will take a narrow advantage back to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg.