Real Madrid's best and worst players in scrappy victory over RB Leipzig
- An ugly 1-0 win over RB Leipzig gave Real Madrid the advantage in their Champions League last 16 clash
- Los Blancos far from their best but dragged through with a handful of top performances
- Brahim Diaz's moment of magic proved the difference
By Tom Gott
Not every win needs to be pretty.
Real Madrid secured an ugly 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig on Tuesday to take the lead in their Champions League last 16 clash, relying more on individual quality than overall dominance against the German hosts, who were left disappointed not to have taken more from the game.
Here's how the players fared in 90min's player ratings.
Real Madrid's best player vs RB Leipzig
Andriy Lunin - 9/10
Just the nine saves for Lunin, who was undoubtedly the star of Madrid's victory in Germany.
From the first moment, Lunin had to be alert to the potent threat of Benjamin Sesko, who could have easily had a hat-trick inside the opening five minutes. The Ukraine international never took his eye off the prize and ended the game with a huge nine saves.
Honourable mention
Aurelien Tchouameni - 8/10
Tchouameni was the anchor in Madrid's defence and had to work incredibly hard as the experienced veterans around him failed to pull their weight.
Often seen barking orders at players who should know better than him, Tchouameni made a handful of huge blocks and tackles when Madrid found themselves desperate at the back.
Real Madrid's worst player vs RB Leipzig
Nacho Fernandez - 4/10
Back from a muscle overload, Nacho definitely did not look like the only natural centre-back in the starting lineup.
The club captain was slow and lethargic in his movements and struggled to cope with Leipzig's dynamic duo of Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda. He needed a little too much help from makeshift partner Aurelien Tchouameni.
Dishonourable mention
Rodrygo - 4/10
Madrid's formation change this season has definitely taken its toll on both Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo but, while the former is figuring out how to make an impact as a striker, Rodrygo still continues to drift in and out of games.
Despite Leipzig's focus being on stopping Vinicius, Rodrygo failed to make the most of the space afforded to him. Indeed, Leipzig seemed happy to give him a little more time, safe in the knowledge that he was the lesser threat.
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