A hard fought first leg from the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 saw Real Madrid come out on top over rivals Atlético Madrid by a 2-1 score at the Santiago Bernadeu Stadium.
Morocco national team star Brahim Díaz provided the match winner for Real in a first leg that set up a highly anticipated second leg clash back at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday. In a hard fought first half, Rodrygo opened the scoring for Real in the 4th minute before a brilliant curling strike from Julián Alvarez leveled for visitors Atlético after the half hour mark.
But despite the lack of clear opportunities, moments of quality provided the goals and Díaz produced a worthy match winner for Real. The attacker found space on the left wing of the Atlético penalty area and nearly broke the ankles of defender José María Giménez with a devastating feint before firing in a low finish.
"I did a really good first movement...I like to see everything so I did not try to shoot at the beginning because I was trying to pass because there were so many defenders...players in the box. Giménez went and I took a touch and I saw the goal so I took a shot," Díaz said in a post-match interview.
Díaz continues to switch between playing from the beginning and coming on as a substitute but the Morocco playmaker is playing an important role for Real with his technique and flair. He now has 6 goals and 6 assists in 35 appearances across all competitions for Real this season.
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