Real Madrid relish Brahim Diaz dazzler, while Leipzig lament Benjamin Sesko’s offside goal

LEIPZIG – An incredible solo goal from Brahim Diaz secured Real Madrid a 1-0 win away at RB Leipzig in their Champions League last-16 first leg, with the German outfit left to rue a controversial disallowed goal.

Drafted into the side in place of injured England international Jude Bellingham, Diaz danced past three Leipzig defenders before curling an inch-perfect shot inside the far post against the run of play in the 48th minute.

“I’m intuitive. I saw Vini (Vinicius Junior) and wanted to give it to him but, in the end, I took the shot. It was a nice goal,” said the 24-year-old forward of his moment of brilliance.

The game could have had a different complexion for Real had Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko’s goal in the second minute not been disallowed after the linesman raised his flag for offside.

Replays showed the Slovenian was clearly onside, but the video assistant referee (VAR) did not overturn the decision. Another Leipzig player, Benjamin Henrichs, was offside and, despite not touching the ball, was adjudged to have been in the goalkeeper’s line of sight.

While praising Diaz’s “dream goal”, Leipzig coach Marco Rose told reporters the decision was wrong.

“There was a goal which should have counted,” Rose said, explaining “if we were playing a goal up, maybe things would have turned out differently”.

Rose found some unlikely support from Real midfielder Toni Kroos, who agreed the goal should have stood.

“He called it offside because he said he obstructed him (Real’s goalkeeper). The goalkeeper would not have got to the ball, so it was a goal.”

Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters “you have to ask the referee” about the controversial call. He added: “I think he said the goalkeeper was bothered by the (Leipzig) player.”

Asked if referee Irfan Peljto, who was taking charge of his eighth match in the Champions League, had shown his inexperience in making the call, Rose shot back: “I’m not angry with the referee – I don’t want to start a refereeing debate.

“It was a mistake... we all saw it was not the right decision. I also make mistakes – sometimes two or three per day. What’s important is that you fix them – and that you try and do it better next time.”

Looking ahead to the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 6, the German coach insisted his team still had a good chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

He said: “We want to show ourselves in Madrid. We want to be the best we can for Madrid, we want to be the most difficult we can be.”

Real would be hoping for a better performance after their goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois, came to the rescue with a string of saves to protect the lead as the Spaniards made it seven straight wins in the competition this season.

“It was difficult for us, that’s how it is here. The start of the first half and second half were difficult. Lunin played a great game, the best game. We were dangerous in transitions, we could have scored more but we could also have tied. This is a small advantage,” Ancelotti said. AFP, REUTERS