Real Madrid absorbed a lot of pressure to hold on against RB Leipzig. and reserve a place in the next round
Leipzig didn’t seem fazed by the set-up and created most of the chances early in the match when it looked like they would be level.
Loïs Openda was on the end of two great chances for the visitors, but the striker sent both efforts wide of the post to spare Madrid blushes.
The Bundesliga outfit remained threatening after the break, leaving Real Madrid looking rather shaky at the back. But the home team somehow held on during the half and kept their lead intact.
However, Real Madrid always find a way in this competition as they hit Leipzig on the stroke of half-time before Vinicius Junior fired a superb curler into the corner of the net to make it two for the home side.
However, the celebrations did not last long. Minutes later, RB Leipzig reduced Real Madrid’s deficit from a corner as Willi Orbán headed home.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men can feel happy at the end, but they still held on to avoid a shock at the hands of their visitors.
Real Madrid Player rating
Andriy Lunin (5/10): Forced into a few important saves in the first half. Could do nothing about the Leipzig goal.
Dani Carvajal (7/10): Often the player furthest forward in the early goings. Settled into his usual role after that – and looked much better for it.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10): Blocked one Xavi Simons effort that seemed certain to go in – and celebrated with appropriate gusto.
Nacho (6/10):Steady at the back. Kept the ball well and was on hand at the right moments.
Ferland Mendy (5/10):Dragged around a bit by Leipzig’s tricky attacking players. Wasn’t at his most effective in a tackle, either.
Toni Kroos (7/10):Kept the ball moving, especially when Madrid sprung on the break. Completed 93% of his passes.
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):Steady at the base of midfield. Made a few timely tackles, but also committed some silly fouls.
Eduardo Camavinga (5/10): The game mostly passed him by in the first half. Unlucky to be the one subbed at the half, but Madrid needed to get rid of a midfielder.
Federico Valverde (6/10): Deployed in an unfamiliar attacking role for the first 45 minutes. Looked much better when asked to drop deeper after the break.
Jude Bellingham (7/10): Functioned more like an orthodox striker in the first half, but didn’t have much support. Provided a lovely assist for Vinicius’ goal, and was much improved after the break.
Vinicius Jr (8/10): Dangerous when he had the ball, but got dragged into trouble too often. Scored a wonderful goal to extend his side’s aggregate lead, and made a few defenders look very silly.
SUB
Rodrygo (7/10): A necessary introduction at half time. Lively when he came on, and helped stretch the game.
Luka Modric (6/10): Replaced Kroos late on. Offered a bit of midfield control.
Joselu (N/A): No time to make an impact.
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