Real Madrid claimed a small edge on city rivals Atletico Madrid with a tight 2-1 Champions League last-16 first leg win on Tuesday.
Julian Alvarez levelled for Atletico after Rodrygo Goes sent the hosts ahead, but Brahim Diaz stroked home the winner for the record 15-time winners to delight the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
"I think we played a complete game today, (my) goal was good and it earned us the win, but it's not over," Diaz told Movistar.
"There's still the second leg and we have to give everything, like we did today."
Diego Simeone's Atletico, who lost in the 2014 and 2016 finals against their bitter rivals, kept stars Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe quiet but still came up short.
The Rojiblancos played it safe in the final stages, seeming to accept their one-goal disadvantage for the second leg derby clash at home next week.
"For a moment we had the game under control, but we knew that it would not be an easy match, because they were at home and they have great players," said Alvarez.
"But we know there are 90 minutes to go... it's one goal, and another game, at home with our fans."
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti opted for Morocco international Diaz in midfield to replace the suspended Jude Bellingham and selected Fede Valverde at right-back after he was passed fit to play.
The Italian had demanded his side show a better attitude and more commitment than during their La Liga defeat by Real Betis on Saturday and his charges delivered.
"The second half was better (than the first), we worked hard, defended well, our objective was to take a small advantage and we did it," said Ancelotti.
Rodrygo pounced after just four minutes, slipping inside Javi Galan to collect Valverde's teasing pass before firing home with his left foot across Jan Oblak and inside the far post.
It was the Brazilian winger's fifth strike of the tournament, habitually shining on the European stage for Madrid, where he boasts 25 goals in 61 appearances.
His compatriot Vinicius came close to netting Madrid's second as he surged into the box but Jose Gimenez blocked his shot well.
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">We're alive</h2>
Atletico began to create danger of their own and Valverde hacked away Giuliano Simeone's whipped ball from under his own crossbar under pressure from Samuel Lino.
Alvarez levelled with a brilliant individual goal, dancing away from Eduardo Camavinga on the left of the box and curling his shot past Thibaut Courtois into the top corner.
The former Manchester City striker has been in sublime form in the past few weeks, notching 10 goals in 14 matches and proving why Atletico made him their second most expensive signing of all-time last summer.
"They started better... I think the big plus from our team was that we didn't give up, we didn't get stage fright after conceding so early," said Simeone.
"We started to play, to get into the game, and to own the ball more, and play more in their half."
Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul helped Atletico keep control for long periods, with Madrid finding it hard to take the ball back from their rivals.
That made it all the more surprising when Diaz restored Los Blancos' lead in the 55th minute.
The midfielder left Gimenez on the floor with some quick footwork and carved out the space for a tidy low finish, before leaping into the crowd to celebrate.
Griezmann fired wide and Gimenez over as Atletico looked for a response and Ancelotti brought on 39-year-old midfielder Luka Modric in search of more control.
The Croatian delivered just that and neither side threatened in the final half hour of the match until stoppage time, when Madrid might have secured a third.
Mbappe's cut-back from the right was behind Vinicius who was waiting for a tap-in, and Oblak saved from Modric in the aftermath.
Atletico host Real Madrid next week at the Metropolitano stadium, with the winner facing Arsenal or PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-finals.
"We're alive (in the tie) and we have to correct the mistakes we made and go for it in the second leg," said Atletico midfielder Marcos Llorente.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports, Football: Real Madrid claimed a small edge on city rivals Atletico Madrid with a tight 2-1 Champions League last-16 first leg win on Tuesday.

Real Madrid claimed a small edge on city rivals Atletico Madrid with a tight 2-1 Champions League last-16 first leg win on Tuesday. Julian Alvarez levelled for Atletico after Rodrygo Goes sent the hosts ahead, but Brahim Diaz stroked home the winner for the record 15-time winners to delight the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. "I think we played a complete game today, (my) goal was good and it earned us the win, but it's not over," Diaz told Movistar. "There's still the second leg and we have to give everything, like we did today." Diego Simeone's Atletico, who lost in the 2014 and 2016 finals against their bitter rivals, kept stars Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe quiet but still came up short. The Rojiblancos played it safe in the final stages, seeming to accept their one-goal disadvantage for the second leg derby clash at home next week. "For a moment we had the game under control, but we knew that it would not be an easy match, because they were at home and they have great players," said Alvarez. "But we know there are 90 minutes to go... it's one goal, and another game, at home with our fans." Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti opted for Morocco international Diaz in midfield to replace the suspended Jude Bellingham and selected Fede Valverde at right-back after he was passed fit to play. The Italian had demanded his side show a better attitude and more commitment than during their La Liga defeat by Real Betis on Saturday and his charges delivered. "The second half was better (than the first), we worked hard, defended well, our objective was to take a small advantage and we did it," said Ancelotti. Rodrygo pounced after just four minutes, slipping inside Javi Galan to collect Valverde's teasing pass before firing home with his left foot across Jan Oblak and inside the far post. It was the Brazilian winger's fifth strike of the tournament, habitually shining on the European stage for Madrid, where he boasts 25 goals in 61 appearances. His compatriot Vinicius came close to netting Madrid's second as he surged into the box but Jose Gimenez blocked his shot well. ALSO READ | Champions Trophy: ‘Having six bowling options was something we prioritised,’ says India skipper Rohit Sharma We're alive Atletico began to create danger of their own and Valverde hacked away Giuliano Simeone's whipped ball from under his own crossbar under pressure from Samuel Lino. Alvarez levelled with a brilliant individual goal, dancing away from Eduardo Camavinga on the left of the box and curling his shot past Thibaut Courtois into the top corner. The former Manchester City striker has been in sublime form in the past few weeks, notching 10 goals in 14 matches and proving why Atletico made him their second most expensive signing of all-time last summer. "They started better... I think the big plus from our team was that we didn't give up, we didn't get stage fright after conceding so early," said Simeone. "We started to play, to get into the game, and to own the ball more, and play more in their half." Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul helped Atletico keep control for long periods, with Madrid finding it hard to take the ball back from their rivals. That made it all the more surprising when Diaz restored Los Blancos' lead in the 55th minute. The midfielder left Gimenez on the floor with some quick footwork and carved out the space for a tidy low finish, before leaping into the crowd to celebrate. Griezmann fired wide and Gimenez over as Atletico looked for a response and Ancelotti brought on 39-year-old midfielder Luka Modric in search of more control. The Croatian delivered just that and neither side threatened in the final half hour of the match until stoppage time, when Madrid might have secured a third. Mbappe's cut-back from the right was behind Vinicius who was waiting for a tap-in, and Oblak saved from Modric in the aftermath. Atletico host Real Madrid next week at the Metropolitano stadium, with the winner facing Arsenal or PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-finals. "We're alive (in the tie) and we have to correct the mistakes we made and go for it in the second leg," said Atletico midfielder Marcos Llorente. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Champions League: Brahim Diaz earns Real Madrid lead on Atletico in derby clash

An incredible solo goal from Brahim Diaz secured Real Madrid a 1-0 win away at RB Leipzig in Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg.

Leipzig were energetic but wasteful early, while Madrid&nbsp;goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made numerous saves after the hosts controversially had a goal disallowed for offside.

The German club were made to pay early in the second half when Diaz opened the scoring.&nbsp;

Drafted into the side in place of the injured Jude Bellingham, Diaz danced past three Leipzig defenders before curling an inch-perfect shot inside the far post.&nbsp;

"I'm intuitive," said Diaz of the goal. "I saw Vini (Vinicius Junior) and wanted to give it to him, but in the end I took the shot.

"It was a nice goal."

Real midfielder Toni Kroos praised his teammate, telling Amazon Prime "a piece of individual skill decided the game.&nbsp;

"If we're honest, it could have gone in either direction."

The win was Real Madrid's seventh in seven games this Champions League campaign and puts them in prime position to make it past the last 16 for the fourth straight season.

"It was an open match," said Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, contending that "a lucky punch decided the game".

Madrid travelled to Saxony without England midfielder Bellingham, who injured his ankle in Saturday's 4-0 win over Girona.

With first-choice centre-backs Antonio Ruediger, David Alaba and Eder Militao ruled out, coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to continue midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni's stint in central defence.

Despite their injury woes, Real sit five clear in the league and have only lost twice this season in all competitions, both times to derby rivals Atletico Madrid.

Leipzig coach Marco Rose said Tuesday his side were "not afraid" of Real Madrid, having beaten the 14-time European champions 3-2 at the same venue in October 2022.&nbsp;

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<h2>Contentious decision</h2>

The hosts thundered out of the blocks and had the ball in the net three minutes in, but the goal was ruled out for a contentious offside call, with Benjamin Henrichs deemed to be obstructing the goalkeeper.

Kroos said the wrong decision had been made.&nbsp;

"The goalkeeper would not have got to the ball, so it was a goal."&nbsp;

Gulacsi told reporters he was "frustrated" by the decision, explaining "1-0 after a couple of minutes could have changed the whole game."

Leipzig carved out a handful of half-chances but poor control in crucial moments, particularly from striker Benjamin Sesko, let the visitors off the hook.&nbsp;

Other than a trademark long-range effort from Toni Kroos which was gobbled up by Gulacsi, Real created little early.&nbsp;

Their best chance came late in the first half when Vinicius' looping cross drifted just above the head of an advancing Rodrygo.&nbsp;

Collecting the ball near the sideline just three minutes into the second half, Diaz was fouled but refused to go to ground, dribbling through the Leipzig defence before unleashing a curling shot past Gulacsi to score.

"We weren't able to dominate, but we played a good game," Diaz said.&nbsp;

"I'm happy to be able to help the side -- we continue to show we're a great team."

The goal cranked the home side into gear, with Barcelona youth product Dani Olmo going close to equalising, twice stinging the palms of Lunin.&nbsp;

Madrid should have had another with 20 minutes remaining after going on the counter, but Vinicius hit the post.

Lunin turned behind a searing strike from Sesko after Diaz went down injured, Leipzig's decision to play on enraging Madrid. The Ukrainian stopper also beat away a dipping effort from substitute Amadou Haidara.

Real host Leipzig in the Spanish capital on March 6.&nbsp;

An incredible solo goal from Brahim Diaz secured Real Madrid a 1-0 win away at RB Leipzig in Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg. Leipzig were energetic but wasteful early, while Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made numerous saves after the hosts controversially had a goal disallowed for offside.

An incredible solo goal from Brahim Diaz secured Real Madrid a 1-0 win away at RB Leipzig in Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg. Leipzig were energetic but wasteful early, while Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made numerous saves after the hosts controversially had a goal disallowed for offside. The German club were made to pay early in the second half when Diaz opened the scoring. Drafted into the side in place of the injured Jude Bellingham, Diaz danced past three Leipzig defenders before curling an inch-perfect shot inside the far post. "I'm intuitive," said Diaz of the goal. "I saw Vini (Vinicius Junior) and wanted to give it to him, but in the end I took the shot. "It was a nice goal." Real midfielder Toni Kroos praised his teammate, telling Amazon Prime "a piece of individual skill decided the game. "If we're honest, it could have gone in either direction." The win was Real Madrid's seventh in seven games this Champions League campaign and puts them in prime position to make it past the last 16 for the fourth straight season. "It was an open match," said Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, contending that "a lucky punch decided the game". Madrid travelled to Saxony without England midfielder Bellingham, who injured his ankle in Saturday's 4-0 win over Girona. With first-choice centre-backs Antonio Ruediger, David Alaba and Eder Militao ruled out, coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to continue midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni's stint in central defence. Despite their injury woes, Real sit five clear in the league and have only lost twice this season in all competitions, both times to derby rivals Atletico Madrid. Leipzig coach Marco Rose said Tuesday his side were "not afraid" of Real Madrid, having beaten the 14-time European champions 3-2 at the same venue in October 2022. ALSO READ | Explained: How Patrick Mahomes is becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL Contentious decision The hosts thundered out of the blocks and had the ball in the net three minutes in, but the goal was ruled out for a contentious offside call, with Benjamin Henrichs deemed to be obstructing the goalkeeper. Kroos said the wrong decision had been made. "The goalkeeper would not have got to the ball, so it was a goal." Gulacsi told reporters he was "frustrated" by the decision, explaining "1-0 after a couple of minutes could have changed the whole game." Leipzig carved out a handful of half-chances but poor control in crucial moments, particularly from striker Benjamin Sesko, let the visitors off the hook. Other than a trademark long-range effort from Toni Kroos which was gobbled up by Gulacsi, Real created little early. Their best chance came late in the first half when Vinicius' looping cross drifted just above the head of an advancing Rodrygo. Collecting the ball near the sideline just three minutes into the second half, Diaz was fouled but refused to go to ground, dribbling through the Leipzig defence before unleashing a curling shot past Gulacsi to score. "We weren't able to dominate, but we played a good game," Diaz said. "I'm happy to be able to help the side -- we continue to show we're a great team." The goal cranked the home side into gear, with Barcelona youth product Dani Olmo going close to equalising, twice stinging the palms of Lunin. Madrid should have had another with 20 minutes remaining after going on the counter, but Vinicius hit the post. Lunin turned behind a searing strike from Sesko after Diaz went down injured, Leipzig's decision to play on enraging Madrid. The Ukrainian stopper also beat away a dipping effort from substitute Amadou Haidara. Real host Leipzig in the Spanish capital on March 6.

Champions League: Dazzling Brahim Diaz sends Real Madrid to victory in Leipzig

Real Madrid earned a fifth consecutive home win by beating Villarreal 3-2 in an open and entertaining game on Sunday in front of their lowest crowd for a league fixture this season.

Madrid got off to an ideal start when Mariano Diaz netted in the second minute after teenager Brahim Diaz had chased down Santi Cazorla but Villarreal hit back in the 11th when Gerard Moreno slammed the ball inside the near post from outside the area after Real midfielder Casemiro was dispossessed.

Madrid, got themselves back in front shortly before halftime when defender Jesus Vallejo stuck the ball into an empty net after a deflected shot from Marcelo, while Mariano struck again early in the second half to stretch his side's advantage.

Villarreal continued to threaten and after they missed several chances Jaume Costa pulled a goal back in stoppage time, while defender Xavier Quintilla had an opportunity to level in the final seconds of the game but missed the target.

As a disappointing season for Madrid winds to a close, the encounter at the Bernabeu was played in front of only 46,294 fans, in a stadium that holds over 80,000.

Madrid are third in the standings on 68 points after 36 games and still have an outside chance of catching second-placed Atletico Madrid who have 74 after losing at Espanyol on Saturday.

Champions Barcelona have 83 points after losing 2-0 at Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid earned a fifth consecutive home win by beating Villarreal 3-2 in an open and entertaining game on Sunday in front of their lowest crowd for a league fixture this season.

Real Madrid earned a fifth consecutive home win by beating Villarreal 3-2 in an open and entertaining game on Sunday in front of their lowest crowd for a league fixture this season. Madrid got off to an ideal start when Mariano Diaz netted in the second minute after teenager Brahim Diaz had chased down Santi Cazorla but Villarreal hit back in the 11th when Gerard Moreno slammed the ball inside the near post from outside the area after Real midfielder Casemiro was dispossessed. Madrid, got themselves back in front shortly before halftime when defender Jesus Vallejo stuck the ball into an empty net after a deflected shot from Marcelo, while Mariano struck again early in the second half to stretch his side's advantage. Villarreal continued to threaten and after they missed several chances Jaume Costa pulled a goal back in stoppage time, while defender Xavier Quintilla had an opportunity to level in the final seconds of the game but missed the target. As a disappointing season for Madrid winds to a close, the encounter at the Bernabeu was played in front of only 46,294 fans, in a stadium that holds over 80,000. Madrid are third in the standings on 68 points after 36 games and still have an outside chance of catching second-placed Atletico Madrid who have 74 after losing at Espanyol on Saturday. Champions Barcelona have 83 points after losing 2-0 at Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid beat Villarreal in front of sparse Bernabeu crowd

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Manchester+City">Manchester City</a> coach <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Pep+Guardiola">Pep Guardiola</a> has defended his side's youth development record after academy graduate Brahim Diaz left for Real Madrid, saying he only wants to work with players who are committed to the club.

The 19-year-old Diaz completed a move to the Spanish capital on Monday, following in the footsteps of English winger Jadon Sancho, who left City in 2017 for Borussia Dortmund to make a huge impact in the German Bundesliga.

City failed to keep both players at the Etihad Stadium due to a lack of first-team opportunities but Guardiola said youngsters must be patient if they are to make a breakthrough at any of the Europe's elite clubs.

"They win the opportunity (to play) on the field but you have to take a look at all the big clubs in Europe how many young players are in the first team," Guardiola told a news conference ahead of City's League Cup semi-final first-leg against Burton Albion on Wednesday.

"The young players need time. David Silva, for example, was loaned to others before he became what he is right now, before he came us. Some have patience, some trust what the club want to do, and some don't."

England under-21 playmaker Phil Foden committed his long-term future to City last month, having received a public backing from Guardiola this season.

"Like I said many times, I don't want people that don't want to stay here," the Spanish coach added.

"We did with Brahim everything we have done with Phil (Foden) and with Jadon - important players and we did absolutely everything. The only one who decides to stay is Phil."

Foden is set to feature against Burton with Guardiola having almost his full squad available to cope with the demands of the Premier League and domestic cup competitions this month.

Guardiola said French full back Benjamin Mendy, who is on the sidelines with a knee injury, could return to first-team action in two-to-three weeks.

"He's training alone," Guardiola added. "Two weeks, three weeks maybe (until he returns). Everybody else is fit."

City will return to league action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday as they continue to chase Liverpool, who are four points clear at the top of the table.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has defended his side's youth development record after academy graduate Brahim Diaz left for Real Madrid, saying he only wants to work with players who are committed to the club.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has defended his side's youth development record after academy graduate Brahim Diaz left for Real Madrid, saying he only wants to work with players who are committed to the club. The 19-year-old Diaz completed a move to the Spanish capital on Monday, following in the footsteps of English winger Jadon Sancho, who left City in 2017 for Borussia Dortmund to make a huge impact in the German Bundesliga. City failed to keep both players at the Etihad Stadium due to a lack of first-team opportunities but Guardiola said youngsters must be patient if they are to make a breakthrough at any of the Europe's elite clubs. "They win the opportunity (to play) on the field but you have to take a look at all the big clubs in Europe how many young players are in the first team," Guardiola told a news conference ahead of City's League Cup semi-final first-leg against Burton Albion on Wednesday. "The young players need time. David Silva, for example, was loaned to others before he became what he is right now, before he came us. Some have patience, some trust what the club want to do, and some don't." England under-21 playmaker Phil Foden committed his long-term future to City last month, having received a public backing from Guardiola this season. "Like I said many times, I don't want people that don't want to stay here," the Spanish coach added. "We did with Brahim everything we have done with Phil (Foden) and with Jadon - important players and we did absolutely everything. The only one who decides to stay is Phil." Foden is set to feature against Burton with Guardiola having almost his full squad available to cope with the demands of the Premier League and domestic cup competitions this month. Guardiola said French full back Benjamin Mendy, who is on the sidelines with a knee injury, could return to first-team action in two-to-three weeks. "He's training alone," Guardiola added. "Two weeks, three weeks maybe (until he returns). Everybody else is fit." City will return to league action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday as they continue to chase Liverpool, who are four points clear at the top of the table.

Don't want players who don't want to play for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola defends Brahim Diaz departure

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Champions League: Brahim Diaz earns Real Madrid lead on Atletico in derby clash

Champions League: Dazzling Brahim Diaz sends Real Madrid to victory in Leipzig

Real Madrid beat Villarreal in front of sparse Bernabeu crowd

Don't want players who don't want to play for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola defends Brahim Diaz departure