14-time champions Real Madrid performed below their level but managed to barely surpass their Bundesliga rivals in the last-16 tie over two matches.
Despite Leipzig’s dominance, Vinicius Junior netted in the 65th minute, assisted by Jude Bellingham.
Willi Orban equalized swiftly for the visitors, yet they couldn’t secure another goal to extend the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team struggled and lacked mental preparation for the match.
“We played badly, with little intensity, with worries … the psychological aspect conditioned our game a lot,” Ancelotti told Movistar.
“We played against an opponent with quality, who had nothing to lose, and we had the brakes on from start to finish — we suffered, but the important thing was to get to the quarter-finals.”
Before the game, Ancelotti cautioned his players about the need to perform at their peak to advance, opting for a conservative approach by fielding four midfielders behind Bellingham and Vinicius.
He adjusted the lineup, moving Tchouameni into defensive midfield and deploying Camavinga, Valverde, and Kroos to safeguard their 1-0 lead from the first leg, which somewhat hampered Madrid’s attacking prowess while not completely shutting down Leipzig’s.
In the first half, Leipzig had the upper hand, though they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities until just before halftime. Lunin saved a shot from Simons, while Openda’s effort flew wide.
Ancelotti reverted to a more traditional formation in the second half, bringing on Rodrygo for Camavinga at halftime. This change led to a more open game, with Vinicius becoming more influential, despite a turbulent start to the match, which saw him booked for an altercation with Orban.
Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez told Movistar after the match that:
“It was not our best day, but we have to be happy because the objective is complete. ”
“When things don’t go as you want, you have to battle, to fight, to play games like today’s that make you grow and learn.”
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