Diaz (first from left) scored the winning goal for Real Madrid over Leipzig (Getty)
Spanish Real Madrid struggled to defeat its German host, Leipzig, with a clean goal, while Manchester City achieved a comfortable victory over its host, Copenhagen, 3-1, in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
In Germany, Ibrahim Diaz scored the only goal of the match in the 49th minute after a wonderful individual effort, as he was able to elude more than one player and shoot the ball beyond the reach of the German team's goalkeeper.
⚽️🔥 A wonderful individual effort from Ibrahim Diaz results in a beautiful goal for Royal #UEFA_Champions_League | #Leipzig_Real_Madrid #UCL | #beINUCL | #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/ivtSsAjbuu
- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 13, 2024
The royal team owes its victory to its Ukrainian goalkeeper Andrey Lunin - who was the star of the match - after he blocked more than one dangerous ball, and these saves contributed to a valuable victory for the record holder in the number of titles in this main continental competition (14 titles).
The two teams will meet again in the return leg at the Bernabeu Stadium on March 6.
In Denmark, Manchester City advanced against its host Copenhagen with Kevin De Bruyne's goal in the 10th minute, then Magnus Mattsson equalized for the hosts in the 34th minute, before Portuguese Bernardo Silva scored the second goal in the 45th minute, and Phil Foden completed the hat-trick in the 92nd minute.
This victory enhances the English team's chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals and continuing the campaign to defend its title last season when the two teams meet again at Etihad Stadium on the 6th of next March.
Kevin De Bruyne shines and gives City the lead goal ⚽️🔥#UEFA_Champions_League | #Manchester_City | #Copenhagen pic.twitter.com/R9X66lqxgX
- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 13, 2024
A huge mistake by Ederson was exploited by Magnus Mattsson and he fired a wonderful shot from outside the penalty area, resulting in a wonderful goal against Manchester City 🤯⚽️#UEFA_Champions_League | #Manchester_City | #Copenhagen pic.twitter.com/d0Ek8NYJn9
- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 13, 2024
Bernardo Silva adds the second goal for City after the effort of the genius Kevin De Bruyne 🧠⚽️#UEFA_Champions_League | #Manchester_City | #Copenhagen pic.twitter.com/qKp07AMIqZ
- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) February 13, 2024
Source: Agencies