The first two matches of the knockout phase of the Champions Lague 2023/24 did not bring any surprises: Manchester City and Real Madrid won the first leg of the round of 16 away, beating Copenhagen 3-1 and Red respectively Bull Leipzig 1-0.
Obligatory favourites, the holders of the trophy took just 10 minutes to take the lead at the Parken Stadium with a goal from De Bruyne, but were surprised in the 34th minute by Mattison's goal to make it 1-1, but already before half-time Bernardo Silva, assisted by the Belgian midfielder, put them back ahead.
At the end of the second half, De Bruyne again provided an assist for Foden's goal and so on March 6th in Manchester Guardiola's team won't have to work too hard to reach the quarter-finals.
In Leipzig, Real without Jude Bellingham and with many absences in defense (Antonio Ruediger, David Alaba and Eder Militao) did not shine but managed to beat Red Bull thanks to a goal at the start of the second half by Brahim Diaz.
The former Milan player had been chosen by Carlo Ancelotti to replace the injured British talent and he repaid the trust with a spectacular goal, overcoming three defenders and beating the goalkeeper with a precise left-footed shot.
In the first half, Leipzig was more aggressive and put Real's rearguard in difficulty, even scoring after just three minutes, a goal however disallowed for offside, and wasting two clear opportunities with Sesko.
Having achieved the 1-0, the Madrid team were able to manage the match, securing a precious advantage ahead of the return match in three weeks at the Santiago Bermabeu.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA