Real Madrid Survive Leipzig Scare to Reach Champions League Quarterfinals
Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid endured a harrowing night at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, but ultimately emerged with a 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig that was enough to see them through to the Champions League quarterfinals.
The Spanish giants, who had won the first leg 2-0 in Germany, were second-best for large periods of the match and were fortunate to escape with a draw. Leipzig missed a number of chances, including a late penalty, as they crashed out of the competition.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side were without a number of key players, including Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric, and their absence was keenly felt. Leipzig, on the other hand, were at full strength and played with a verve and intensity that their opponents simply could not match.
The German side took the lead in the 13th minute through a well-worked goal from Christopher Nkunku. The French forward latched onto a pass from Andre Silva and fired past Thibaut Courtois into the bottom corner.
Real Madrid responded well and thought they had equalized in the 25th minute when Vinicius Junior found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The Spanish side continued to press for an equalizer, but they were unable to find a way past a well-organized Leipzig defense. The German side had a number of chances to put the game to bed, but they were guilty of some poor finishing.
In the 82nd minute, Leipzig were awarded a penalty after Eder Militao was adjudged to have fouled Nkunku. However, Emil Forsberg saw his spot-kick saved by Courtois, who produced a brilliant diving save to keep his side in the tie.
Real Madrid held on for the final eight minutes to secure their place in the last eight of the Champions League. It was a far from convincing performance, but they will be grateful to have reached the quarterfinals nonetheless.
Real Madrid Player Ratings:
- Thibaut Courtois: 8/10 – Made a number of important saves, including a brilliant penalty save from Emil Forsberg.
- Dani Carvajal: 6/10 – Struggled to deal with the pace and trickery of Christopher Nkunku.
- Eder Militao: 5/10 – Made a number of rash challenges and was lucky not to be sent off.
- David Alaba: 7/10 – Was solid defensively and made a number of important interceptions.
- Nacho Fernandez: 7/10 – Was solid defensively and provided some good attacking width.
- Casemiro: 6/10 – Was overrun in midfield and struggled to get to grips with the game.
- Eduardo Camavinga: 6/10 – Showed some flashes of brilliance, but was also guilty of some poor decision-making.
- Federico Valverde: 6/10 – Was energetic and industrious, but lacked the quality to create anything meaningful.
- Vinicius Junior: 6/10 – Was a constant threat down the left flank, but his end product was disappointing.
- Rodrygo Goes: 5/10 – Was anonymous for large periods of the game and was substituted in the second half.
Leipzig Player Ratings:
- Peter Gulacsi: 7/10 – Made a number of important saves, including a brilliant save from Vinicius Junior.
- Mohamed Simakan: 7/10 – Was solid defensively and made a number of important interceptions.
- Willi Orban: 7/10 – Was solid defensively and made a number of important interceptions.
- Josko Gvardiol: 8/10 – Was outstanding defensively and made a number of important blocks.
- Angelino: 7/10 – Was a constant threat down the left flank and provided some good attacking width.
- Konrad Laimer: 8/10 – Was energetic and industrious and played a key role in Leipzig’s midfield.
- Xaver Schlager: 7/10 – Was solid defensively and provided some good distribution.
- Dominik Szoboszlai: 7/10 – Was creative and provided some good attacking threat.
- Christopher Nkunku: 9/10 – Was outstanding and scored a brilliant goal.
- Andre Silva: 6/10 – Was lively and worked hard, but his end product was disappointing.
A Night of Jitters but Ultimately, Relief at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid fans held their breath (and maybe even said a few prayers) as their team battled through a nerve-wracking night at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday. Although they ultimately secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig, qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals, it was far from a convincing performance.
Leipzig Outplayed, But Luck Wasn’t on Their Side
The German side, playing with an intensity and energy that Real Madrid simply couldn’t match initially, took the lead in the 13th minute through Christopher Nkunku. The French forward received a sublime pass from André Silva and slotted it past Thibaut Courtois with ease.
Real Madrid, missing several key players including Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric, struggled to find their rhythm. Vinicius Junior thought he had equalized in the 25th minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Leipzig had several chances to put the tie to bed, but they lacked the cutting edge in front of goal. Even a late penalty, awarded after Eder Militao’s clumsy challenge on Nkunku, couldn’t be converted by Emil Forsberg. Courtois, the hero of the night, pulled off a magnificent save to keep Real Madrid’s Champions League dream alive.
A Match to Forget, But a Result to Celebrate
While the performance wasn’t one for the history books, Real Madrid will undoubtedly be relieved to have progressed to the next stage. Their defense, especially Militao, was shaky at times, and their attack lacked the usual spark. However, credit must be given to Leipzig for their energy and determination throughout the match.
Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid: Courtois’ brilliant saves kept them in the tie. Defense needs improvement. Attack lacked creativity without key players.
- Leipzig: Impressive performance, just couldn’t find the back of the net when it mattered. Nkunku and Laimer were exceptional.
With the quarter-final draw looming, Real Madrid will need to find their best form if they want to continue their quest for a record-extending 15th Champions League title.
Overall, it was a night to forget for Real Madrid, but they will be grateful to have reached the Champions League quarterfinals nonetheless.