Brahim Díaz ‘s Superb Strike Gives Real Madrid slender Edge

Brahim Díaz scored a brilliant individual goal to secure a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Bernabeu. The win gives Real a slender advantage heading into the second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday, March 12th.

Rodrygo opened the scoring for the hosts in the fourth minute. He sprinted past Javi Galan, cut inside, and bent a wonderful shot past Jan Oblak. Rodrygo had a penalty appeal waved away shortly after, following another encounter with Galan.

Atletico, however, responded well and equalized in the 32nd minute with a stunning goal of their own. Julián Álvarez, in excellent recent form, wrong-footed Eduardo Camavinga before curling a spectacular strike around Thibaut Courtois and in off the post. It was the Argentine striker’s seventh goal in nine Champions League appearances this season, and his sixth in his last seven games overall.

The decisive moment came in the 55th minute. Brahim Díaz , stepping up in the absence of the suspended Jude Bellingham, skillfully evaded Jose Gimenez before driving a low shot into the far corner. Bellingham had received his third yellow card of the competition.

The match, while featuring three moments of individual brilliance, was notable for its relative lack of the typical aggression associated with a Madrid derby. Díaz’s goal celebration, which saw him jump into the crowd, resulted in the only yellow card of the game.

Moments of Brilliance Decide Tight Contest

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Rodrygo’s contribution: “Not for us. Rodrygo for us, he helped us win the Champions League, he helped us a lot to win the Champions League in the last three years.” The game’s outcome seemed to hinge in those fine goals.

Atletico midfielder Conor Gallagher, who came on as a substitute in the 64th minute, commented on Álvarez’s strike: “It was an unreal goal. It doesn’t surprise me. He’s playing with so much confidence, he’s a top player and a top guy.” He also remained optimistic about the second leg: “Real Madrid are a top team and I think we competed well. I think it was a decent performance. We would’ve liked to get a better result but it’s all to play for in the next leg. We feel we can beat any team and with our fans behind us, it helps, and we’ll be looking forward to it.”

Real Madrid had a late chance to extend their lead, but Kylian Mbappe’s poor pass prevented Vinicius Jr. from a tap-in.

Real Madrid have won the previous five Champions League meetings against Atletico in knockout ties. The winner of this tie will likely face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, after Arsenal’s 7-1 first-leg thrashing of PSV in Eindhoven.