Madrid lose in Leipzig but remain top of the group

Real Madrid came up short against Leipzig, but still sit top of Champions League Group F and will play to go through as group winners on the final matchday, which sees them take on Celtic at the Santiago Bernabéu (Wednesday, 2 November, 6:45pm CET). The German side went ahead with two goals in a five-minute spell, but Vini Jr. hit back before half-time. Werner then made it 3-1 in the second half and Rodrygo struck in injury time to make it 3-2.

The reigning European champions were the first to fire off a warning shot, when Tchouameni headed wide from an Asensio cross from the right (5’). Just a few minutes later, Leipzig responded in decisive fashion. Szoboszlai's corner was met by André Silva's powerful header, only for Courtois to make a stunning save to keep it out, but Gvardiol pounced on the loose ball to make it 1-0. The goal sent the confidence coursing through the hosts, who quickly doubled their lead through Nkunku. At 2-0 down, Ancelotti's team pushed on and carved out a series of chances, with Vini Jr. shooting over on 25', before Blaswich was forced to turn Rodrygo's fierce drive behind ten minutes later.

The madridistas continued to press and once again Vini Jr. went close to pulling a goal back with a left-footed strike that the home keeper parried (37`). The Brazilian finally got the reward for his insistence on the stroke of half-time when he superbly headed home a dinked cross from Asensio from the right to beat Blaswich.

After the restart, Madrid applied the early pressure, but Leipzig had the chance to make it 3-1 when substitute Werner’s cross-shot narrowly missed the target. The Whites soon hit back and in the 79th minute carved out their best chance of the half to draw level. Hazard and Asensio, combined well before the latter fizzed in a low cross which Vini Jr. turned inches wide of the near post. Leipzig extended their lead two minutes later through the lively Werner, but the visitors kept plugging away and in stoppage time Rodrygo was fouled in the box and the Brazilian dusted himself down to convert the spot kick and make it 3-2.