Champions League: Real Madrid rides on a stunning performance by Diaz in Leipzig, while Manchester City enjoys a “perfect” performance in Copenhagen

As the two favorites started their knockout stage with comfortable away wins, Manchester City set the early tone with a 3-1 victory at FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 match, while Real Madrid secured a nervous 1-0 victory at RB Leipzig on Tuesday thanks to a brilliant solo effort from Brahim Diaz.

Manchester City easily defeated FC Copenhagen 3-1 to show off their title credentials. Three players found the back of the net: Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne. Ten minutes into the match, De Bruyne scored the first goal with a crisp finish from a close range, laying the groundwork for an impressive display. The following two goals were somewhat assisted by the playmaker. The Premier League team made sure to go home with a two-goal lead thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Phil Foden.

Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, put on a masterful display as they controlled the game from the start against a side that has the capacity to surprise people. Notably, Manchester United lost 4-3 to City in the tournament’s group stage in Copenhagen, but City did not allow it to happen.

Manchester City’s performance was praised by Pep Guardiola, who said it was a flawless performance and that the third goal had given them the confidence they needed to defeat Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium the following month.

“It’s the hour of truth in the last 16 of the Champions League, where the biggest players take the biggest stages.” We played flawlessly today; when the time is right, exercise patience because they are really tight and coordinated. Once again, I’m really proud of the crew. Guardiola remarked, “It’s not done. The third goal helped us a lot and hopefully, we can finish at home,” after City’s victory on TNT Sports.

BRAHIM DIAZ REALLY AMAZING
Days after crushing Girona 4-0 in La Liga, Real Madrid produced a grueling victory on Tuesday, relying more on their defensive prowess to neutralize the Leipzig danger away from home.

Even though some important players were absent, such as Jude Bellingham, who was injured, Real Madrid managed to win on the road. With a spectacular solo goal to top off an incredible performance, Brahim Diaz stole the show as he took center stage.

Three minutes into the second half, Diaz got the ball close to the sideline, which proved to be the game-winning play. With remarkable technique, he sidestepped one defender’s charge and then held off two more as he surged into the penalty area. Then, with composure and accuracy, Diaz fired a curving shot that flew past Peter Gulacsi, the goalkeeper for RB Leipzig, and settled into the upper corner of the net.

Real Madrid’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, held strong despite Leipzig’s early goal that was disallowed for offside and several more squandered chances. Vinicius Jr. also had a chance to double the advantage, but he missed the post after a quick counterattack. With Real Madrid in the lead, the close victory sets up an exciting second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on March 6.