Real Madrid 1-1 RB Leipzig |
| Vinicius Junior has contributed to 14 goals in his last 13 Champions League matches, scoring eight times and providing six assists. |
Real Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 aggregate victory over RB Leipzig. Vinicius Junior's clinical finish proved to be the decisive factor, highlighting the quality that set Real Madrid apart and ultimately secured their place in the next round during the last 16 encounter.
Leipzig, the German contenders, once again paid the price for their profligacy in front of goal. The turning point occurred when Vinicius clinically converted Jude Bellingham's precise pass, securing a 2-0 lead for Real Madrid with 25 minutes remaining.
Leipzig, however, demonstrated resilience as their skipper, Willi Orban, seized an opportunity three minutes later, flicking in a header that injected renewed belief into the Bundesliga side. This ignited a spirited effort to breach the defenses of the Spanish league leaders in their quest for an equalizer.
As the tension heightened, former Barcelona prodigy Dani Olmo came agonizingly close to forcing extra time with a looping header that kissed the top of the crossbar in injury time. The near miss added an extra layer of drama, especially considering the absence of the away goals rule in UEFA competitions.
Despite Leipzig's spirited efforts, Real Madrid, on a quest to extend their record with a 15th European title, exhibited composure and resilience. This triumph marked their qualification for the quarter-finals, a feat they have achieved an impressive 12 times in the past 14 seasons.
The anticipation now shifts to the quarter-finals draw, scheduled for Friday, 15 March, at 11:00 GMT. Carlo Ancelotti's side awaits the revelation of their next opponents, as they continue their journey in pursuit of European glory.