In football, ambition is everything and Real Madrid, relaxed because they already had qualification for the round of 16 in their pocket, and lowered because Carlo Ancelotti left footballers like Benzema, Modric or Valverde at home, suffered the first defeat of the season against a Leipzig that was risking its life in the Champions League. Now the Whites must beat Celtic at the Bernabeu to secure first place in the group.
Real Madrid did not appear in the first half hour, in which Leipzig went over them and put a two-goal lead on the scoreboard, taking the Whites back to scenes from their visits to Germany in the 70s or 80s, when every time who came through these lands was settled with a heavy blow and a shameful image.
Leipzig's goals came very quickly and in five minutes, portraying the fragility of a defense with Militão and Nacho as central defenders. The first came at thirteen after a save by Courtois and a header by Gvardiol, with Camavinga looking on without intervening in the play. The 2-0 fell in the 18th in a shot by Nkunku, the best of the Germans. Madrid took a step forward after the first half hour. Leipzig lowered the piston and Ancelotti's men began to arrive with danger. Rodrygo had a first chance, saved by Blaswich with a good save, but it was Vinícius who struck before the break, in minute 43, by connecting a good header after a great pass from Asensio, the player who perhaps had the most to vindicate himself and who had na gray performance.
The second half began at a slower pace, with a more dominating Madrid, but as in their worst days with many difficulties in attacking a static defense like Leipzig's, dedicated exclusively to protecting their result.
After 20 minutes Dani Olmo entered, who was making his debut in this Champions League, as well as Timo Werner, who was returning from injury. Ancelotti moved the tree and changed the defense, giving entry to Carvajal and Alaba for Lucas Vazquez and Nacho. A few strange changes because it wasn't in defense where Madrid had to improve. In fact, the changes improved Lepizig and worsened a very discreet Madrid.
With a quarter of an hour to go, Hazard came on for Kroos and Madrid were left without anyone to judiciously direct the midfield. Right away came the finishing touch for Madrid with a goal against Werner after a pass from Simakan. Rodrygo made it 3-2 from a penalty in the addition made to Carvajal.
Madrid left Germany sad and with the only consolation that if there was a day to lose, it was this.
