The first two matches of the knockout phase of the 2023/24 Champions League 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 Bull Leipzig 1-1 respectively. 0.
Obligatory favourites, it took the trophy holders only 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 1-1 goal, but already before the break BernardoSilva, on assist from the Belgian midfielder brought 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 quarterfinals.
In Leipzig, Real without Jude Bellingham and with many absences in defense (Antonio Ruediger, David Alaba and EderMilitao) did not shine but managed to beat Red Bull thanks to a goal at the start of the second half by Brahim Diaz.
The ex-Milan player had been chosen by Carlo Ancelotti to replace the injured British talent and he repaid his 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 made Real's rearguard difficult, 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 was able to manage the match, securing a valuable advantage ahead of the return match in three weeks at the Santiago Bermabeu.
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