2-0 defeat away to Real Madrid
RB Leipzig lost out to reigning champions Real Madrid on matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League group stage | Leipzig put in a confident performance and had several good chances in the first half | Fede Valverde and Marco Asensio got Madrid’s goals late on
Despite a strong performance, RB Leipzig were beaten 2-0 away to title holders Real Madrid in their second group game of this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Leipzig began positively and came close to taking the lead on a few occasions in the first half. Emil Forsberg narrowly missed the target (21’) and Christopher Nkunku was denied by Thibaut Courtois from close range (28’), before he was inches away from converting a dangerous Timo Werner cross (34’). The visitors would arguably have been good value for a half-time lead.
The second half was a similar affair, albeit with fewer chances. Marco Rose’s team held firm at the back for a long time, however Madrid only needed a couple of chances to get the win. Fede Valverde curled the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring (80’) and Marco Asensio killed the game off in added time (90’).
Statistics:
REAL MADRID:
Courtois, Carvajal, Alaba (81' F. Mendy), Nacho (C), Modric (81' Kroos), Camavinga (64' Asensio), Valverde, Tchouameni, Vinicius Jr. (85' Mariano), Rodrygo (85' D. Ceballos), Rüdiger
Bench: Lunin, Luis Lopez, Vallejo, Hazard, Odriozola
RB LEIPZIG:
Gulácsi (C) - Simakan (75' Henrichs), Orbán, Haidara (75' Kampl), Forsberg (81' Poulsen), Werner (81' Silva), Szoboszlai, Nkunku, Raum, Schlager, Diallo
Bench: Blaswich, Halstenberg, Gvardiol, Novoa
Referee:
Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Goals:
1-0 Valverde (80'), 2-0 Asensio (90'+1)
Yellow cards:
Carvajal - Haidara, Nkunku, Schlager
First half highlights:
Kick-off!
We’re underway in Madrid. Come on, RB Leipzig!
3rd minute:
It’s been a confident start from Leipzig, who are quick to press their hosts at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
5th minute:
The first chance of the night and it’s for our lads. Forsberg plays Nkunku in behind and he tests Courtois out from a tight angle in the box. The Belgian keeper parries for a corner.
10th minute:
Schlager advances into the opposition half and the ball comes to Raum. He can’t find any space for a cross and has to go backwards.
11th minute:
Nkunku goes down in the box after a challenge from Nacho. The referee doesn’t believe it’s enough for a penalty.
15th minute:
Raum blocks Valverde’s cross for a corner, and Real fail to create any danger from that.
19th minute:
Leipzig attack through Werner and Szoboszlai. The Hungarian’s low delivery is cleared by Carvajal.
21st minute:
Another good attack from Leipzig. Werner drives into the box on the left and then picks out Forsberg on the edge. His shot flies just wide.
25th minute:
Our defence has been so solid so far and the hosts are having barely any shots.
26th minute:
Alaba crosses low to find Camavinga. The midfielder’s shot goes well over.
28th minute:
A stunning chipped pass from Werner in behind for Nkunku to run on to! He can’t quite get there before Courtois. Keep going, lads!
30th minute:
Leipzig are on top here. Werner takes aim on his left, but Courtois is able to easily gather.
34th minute:
The best chance to date! Forsberg sends Werner into the box and he squares it towards Nkunku. The forward is inches away from connecting as he slides in from close range. Leipzig would be good value for the lead by now.
38th minute:
At the other end, Rüdiger’s header goes well wide.
41st minute:
The vastly experienced Modric comes close! He beats Haidara on the edge and lets fly on his left foot, with his shot just going wide.
43rd minute:
Schlager makes a forceful challenge on Modric in our box. Real want a penalty, but like Leipzig earlier, don’t get it.
Half time:
The referee blows up with the score 0-0. We were the better team in the first half and deserved a goal really. Plenty to build on after the break!
Second half highlights:
46th minute:
RBL are unchanged for the second half.
50th minute:
Nkunku flicks on Raum’s pass through to Werner. His shot in the box is saved by the legs of Courtois, though the flag goes up anyway for offside.
55th minute:
Leipzig continue to play well and look for chances. Last season’s UCL winners are struggling to find any rhythm.
57th minute:
Carvajal fouls Nkunku down the left and it’s a free-kick for RBL. Raum whips it in, but it’s too close to the keeper.
60th minute:
Carvajal wants to cross, however Raum blocks. Real are still without a chance in the second half.
62nd minute:
Real get a free-kick in a dangerous position after Simakan fouls Rodrygo. His effort goes comfortably over the bar.
65th minute:
Haidara goes down after a collision with Tchouameni. Our midfielder can continue after treatment.
72th minute:
Real create their first big chance of night through Valverde. He gets into the box somewhat fortunately and the ball falls to Rodrygo. Gulácsi is quick off his line to block his effort!
75th minute:
Leipzig’s first changes see Henrichs and Kampl replace Simakan and Haidara.
77th minute:
Szoboszlai is played in down the right wing. He attempts to quickly cross for Nkunku, but a defender gets there first.
80th minute, goal for Real Madrid:
Vinicius Jr. passes it to Valverde in the box, he gets it on his left and bends one into the far corner.
84th minute:
Szoboszlai attempts to score from way out, it goes well wide. It’s going to be tough, but our lads haven’t given up yet!
88th minute:
Silva cuts it back to Nkunku, who powerfully shoots from just inside the box. A defender can get in the way and the resulting corner brings Leipzig no success.
91st minute, goal for Real Madrid:
That’s it. Asensio smashes it past Gulácsi to seal the win for the home team
Full time!
Despite a good performance from our boys, the clinical hosts run out 2-0 winners.