Champions League
Feb 13, 2024 8.00pm
0
1
HT : 0 0
FT Red Bull Arena
  • Marco Rose 45' yellowcard
  • Mohamed Simakan 53' yellowcard
  • Yussuf Poulsen 77' yellowcard
  • Benjamin Sesko 85' yellowcard
  • goal Brahim Diaz 48'
  • yellowcard Dani Carvajal 66'
  • yellowcard Vinicius Junior 85'

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz allays injury fears after RB Leipzig victory

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz allays injury fears after RB Leipzig victory

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz has confirmed that the injury he sustained against RB Leipzig is not serious, despite him being forced off in the final 10 minutes.

Brahim scored the only goal in Los Blancos' 1-0 win in Eastern Germany, with an eye-catching strike early in the second half being all that separated the sides.

Real had to weather an intense Leipzig storm though, as goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was forced into nine saves across the 90 minutes.

The 14-time winners are in a comfortable position heading into the second leg, which will take place early next month, as the club look to avenge last season's semi-final elimination.

There were some concerns in the latter stages though, as Brahim limped off after feeling discomfort in a leg muscle while in possession, which almost resulted in a Leipzig equaliser, until Lunin denied Benjamin Sesko.

However, speaking to the press after receiving the Man of the Match award, Brahim revealed that there is nothing to worry about for the Real Madrid faithful.

"I feel good, I think my injury is not serious," Brahim said, when asked about the issue.

Brahim was the man who came in to replace Jude Bellingham after the England international picked up an injury against Girona at the weekend.

The match-winner had kind words for his teammate too, stating: "I celebrated like that for Jude, he wanted to play this game, so this goal [is for] for him."

It was just a fifth start in 11 games for the Spaniard, who has struggled to usurp Bellingham, Rodrygo or Vinicius Junior for regular minutes in the starting XI.

The goal tonight does mean that the 24-year-old has scored the only goal in a last-16 first leg in successive seasons for two different clubs, after also doing so for AC Milan against Tottenham Hotspur last season.

Unsurprisingly, given his more limited game time, Brahim's numbers in terms of goals and assists are not as high, but he has surpassed his tally in the Champions League from last season with tonight's goal.

However, after contributing to 13 league goals as the Rossoneri finished fourth last season in Serie A, Brahim has just five goal involvements in La Liga with Real Madrid so far this campaign.

Carlo Ancelotti will hope to have the midfielder fit for their short trip to Rayo Vallecano at the weekend though, with the side now five points clear at the La Liga summit, as Bellingham is unlikely to make such a quick return.

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Who will win Tuesday's Champions League clash between RB Leipzig and Real Madrid?
RB Leipzig 13%
Draw 13%
Real Madrid 74%
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