Leipzig, Germany: Real Madrid edged closer to the Champions League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. Despite a tense and goalless first half, Brahim Diaz emerged as the hero in the second, powering home a superb header to silence the Red Bull Arena and give the Spanish giants a crucial away win.

First-half stalemate sets the stage:

Both sides traded blows in a tight opening 45 minutes, cancelling each other with resolute defending and a lack of clear-cut chances. The intensity simmered under the watchful eyes of a passionate Leipzig crowd, but neither team could find the breakthrough before the whistle.

Diaz shines as Real Madrid steal the lead:

The second half saw Real Madrid up the ante, and their persistence paid off in the 49th minute. A well-delivered cross found Brahim Diaz, who rose majestically above the Leipzig defence and planted a powerful header into the net. The goal sent shockwaves through the stadium and gave Real Madrid a vital lead.

Leipzig push but fall short:

Leipzig responded with renewed energy, probing for an equalizer. Yussuf Poulsen and Christopher Nkunku came close but were thwarted by Thibaut Courtois’ heroics in the Real Madrid goal. The German outfit continued to press, but the final whistle blew with the scoreline unchanged.

Advantage Real Madrid, but work to be done:

Real Madrid head back to the Santiago Bernabeu with a slender advantage, knowing a clean sheet is crucial to progression. While Leipzig faces a monumental task, their passionate home crowd and fighting spirit ensure they cannot be underestimated in the second leg.