Bundesliga side RB Leipzig recorded an emphatic 3-2 win over defending champions Real Madrid in their last game.
Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner scored the home side’s goals. For their part, Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo were on the scoreboard for Real Madrid.
Looking ahead to the game, Real Madrid was already qualified for the next phase of the continental competition. But they still needed a point to clinch the group. Meanwhile, they were up against a RB Leipzig team who were desperate to win.
Carlo Ancelotti started with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Thibaut Courtois started under goal. Lucas Vázquez, Eder Militao, Nacho Fernández and Antonio Rudiger completed the defense of four. Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kross played at the base of midfield. Eduardo Camavinga was given a free number 10 role. Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior started on the wings while Rodrygo led the lines.
Leipzig’s start surprised Real Madrid
The German team had a great start to the match. From the kick-off they showed urgency and put pressure on the Madrid defense. Leipzig got their reward through Josko Gvardiol. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a brilliant save from Andre Silva’s header, but the rebound fell to Gvardiol, who made no mistake to give Leipzig the lead.
Leipzig soon doubled their lead. Left-back David Raum’s pass deflected into the box found Christopher Nkunku. The French easily outplayed Courtois to make it 2-0.
After conceding two early goals, Real Madrid were shocked. Meanwhile, Leipzig continued to put great pressure on the Whites. From the outset, Amadou Haidara’s worthy shot was well stopped by Courtois. Christopher Nkunku then failed to hit the target even after beating an onrushing Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Los Blancos finally entered the game when Brazilian winger Vinicius pulled one back for the away team just before halftime. He gave Real Madrid a boost in the second half. But Leipzig showed their resilience and maintained good defensive form.
They were mainly based on counterattacks. And finally, with one of those plays, Leipzig restored their two-goal lead. German striker Timo Werner calmly outplayed Courtois from close range.
After conceding the third goal, Madrid threw everything at the German team. They had one last chance when Rodrygo was fouled in the area. The Brazilian striker closed the gap from the penalty spot.
But this was not enough for Real Madrid to achieve anything in this match that ended in a 3-2 loss. This was Real Madrid’s first loss of the season in any competition. Despite the defeat, they will remain at the top of the table, having already qualified with ten points.
Meanwhile, Leipzig are now in second place with eight points from five games. In the final match of the group stage, they will now require a draw to advance to the round of 16.
