💫 Díaz screamer wins it for Real in Leipzig; Man City win at Copenhagen | OneFootball

The Champions League returned to action tonight with two big last 16 clashes.

.Here’s what happened.

Díaz screamer gives Real Madrid win against unlucky Leipzig

Scorers: Díaz 49′

A stunning Brahim Díaz strike gave a below-par Real Madrid a crucial 1-0 victory at RB Leipzig.

Leipzig thought they had snatched an early lead in the third minute when Benjamin Šeško headed home after a corner found its way to him inside the six yard box. The goal was ruled out, though for an apparent foul on Real keeper Lunin.

Moments later, Šeško really should have scored but could not get a firm touch on the ball before it bounced to a grateful Lunin.

The hosts did not look like a side with just one win in their last five as they dominated the first 15 minutes against the La Liga leaders.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men began to settle as the half progressed but they were lacking the rhythm so noticeable in their league games of late. The absence of Jude Bellingham undoubtedly had something to do with that.

Šeško was proving to be the danger man for Leipzig and was nearly in for another chance, only denied by a brilliant covering challenge from Aurélien Tchouaméni.

They would eventually rue their missed chances in the 49th minute. From nowhere and nearly falling to the ground, Brahim Díaz dribbled in from the right and past a few defenders before curling a stunning strike over Péter Gulácsi.

Díaz did go off injured, another blow for Ancelotti after the loss of Jude Bellingham over the weekend.

Real probably should have doubled their lead after the hour but Rodrygo and Vini Jr. could not finish from inside the box, albeit the latter hit the post while the former hit the stands.

Leipzig could not find an equaliser and will be bitterly disappointed to be heading to the Bernabeu in three weeks trailing after a largely excellent display.

As for Real, the quest for title no.15 is well and truly alive.

More to follow…

City stroll to victory in Copenhagen despite Ederson howler

Scorers: Mattsson 34′; De Bruyne 11′, B. Silva 45′, Foden 90+2′

Manchester City survived an Ederson howler to seal a deserved 3-1 win at Copenhagen that leaves them on the brink of the quarter-finals.

City, perhaps unsurprisingly, started the better and should have taken the lead in the opening minutes, Kevin De Bruyne mistiming a header before Ruben Dias’ effort was stopped by Copenhagen keeper Kamil Grabara.

De Bruyne made up for his previous miss in the 10th minute, slotting home in typical fashion from the right-hand side of the box after being played in by Phil Foden. A just reward for an utterly dominant start.

City suffered a blow halfway through the opening 45 when Jack Grealish was forced off with an injury, to be replaced by Jérémy Doku.

Out of absolutely nowhere, Copenhagen equalised and it is a moment Ederson will want to forget.

The Brazilian keeper, usually so assured at playing from the back, made a mess of things, leading to the ball coming to Magnus Mattsson, who curled home from the edge of the box.

The 24-year-old midfielder only joined the club 10 days ago, with tonight being both his Copenhagen and Champions League debut. What a way to mark it.

City regained their composure and then the lead on the stroke of half-time, Bernardo stylishly flicking past Grabara after the ball bounced his way via De Bruyne and a Copenhagen tackle.

The second half was more of the same with City in control and almost waiting to step it up for a third and, possibly, decisive goal.

Doku came the closest but Grabara, again, was there to keep Copenhagen in the game, but Phil Foden’s injury-time strike sealed the win and, almost cetainly, passage to the last eight.