da bet7： Carlo Ancelotti's dynamic duo made the difference to redeem a poor European showing at the Bernabeu, as Madrid progressed despite a 1-1 draw
da esoccer bet： When everything else failed, Real Madrid leaned on their star men; Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr worked in tandem to bag a crucial goal and send an otherwise poor Madrid side to the Champions League last eight with a 2-1 aggregate win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
Lois Openda missed two chances inside 20 minutes, twice running in behind Los Blancos' high line before skewing his efforts. He lashed a third wide shortly before the break.
Real, for their part, created little in the opening 45 minutes. Manager Carlo Ancelotti deployed five midfielders, and Madrid looked predictably laboured as a result. Ancelotti introduced Rodygo at the break, and a moment of magic changed things. Bellingham strode into the final third and fed Vinicius, who clipped his finish back across a sprawling goalkeeper.
Leipzig responded quickly, with Willi Orban finding the bottom corner with a neat header to equalise on the night. The visitors had further chances, as Openda went close once again, and Xavi Simons saw an effort well denied by Antonio Rudiger. Still, they couldn't find the net, and Madrid scraped through.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andriy Lunin (5/10):
Forced into a few important saves in the first half. Could do nothing about the Leipzig goal.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
Often the player furthest forward in the early goings. Settled into his usual role after that – and looked much better for it.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Blocked one Xavi Simons effort that seemed certain to go in – and celebrated with appropriate gusto.
Nacho (6/10):
Steady at the back. Kept the ball well and was on hand at the right moments.
Ferland Mendy (5/10):
Dragged around a bit by Leipzig's tricky attacking players. Wasn't at his most effective in a tackle, either.
AdvertisementGettyMidfield
Toni Kroos (7/10):
Kept the ball moving, especially when Madrid sprung on the break. Completed 93 percent of his passes.
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Steady at the base of midfield. Made a few timely tackles, but also committed some silly fouls.
Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):
The game mostly passed him by in the first half. Unlucky to be the one subbed at the half, but Madrid needed to get rid of a midfielder.
Federico Valverde (6/10):
Deployed in an unfamiliar attacking role for the first 45 minutes. Looked much better when asked to drop deeper after the break.
GettyAttack
Jude Bellingham (7/10):
Functioned more like an orthodox striker in the first half, but didn't have much support. Provided a lovely assist for Vinicius' goal, and was much improved after the break.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Dangerous when he had the ball, but got dragged into trouble too often. Scored a wonderful goal to extend his side's aggregate lead, and made a few defenders look very silly.
GOAL AR / GettySubs & Manager
Rodrygo (7/10):
A necessary introduction at half-time. Lively when he came on, and helped stretch the game.
Luka Modric (6/10):
Replaced Kroos late on. Offered a bit of midfield control.
Joselu (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
Went with an interesting line-up, starting five midfielders and benching Rodrygo. Amended his decision at half time, and Madrid were much better for it. His side wasn't particularly good here, but they got the job done. Bring on the last eight.