white apocalypse
Real Madrid faced their first defeat of the season after fourteen wins and two draws, in a match that followed a predictable pattern given the opponent. The pace was relentless, and the decisive moments came when some key players vanished from the scene. The attack showed vulnerabilities without Benzema and other regulars, while Leipzig pressed hard and exposed Madrid’s weaknesses. Carlo Ancelotti tweaked the lineup, opting for a mix that included options such as Lucas, Rudiger, Camavinga, or Asensio, as Madrid sought to protect a slim lead in the group standings against a determined Shakhtar side poised to seize any opportunity. From the opening minutes, it was evident who was ready to risk everything on the pitch and who relied on structured defense to survive the onslaught.
In the opening 18 minutes, Madrid found themselves trailing 2-0 as Courtois produced three crucial saves. Gvardiol drove a header from a corner after a prior save by the Belgian, and five minutes later Nkunku made it 2-0 with a shot from a loose ball near the crossbar. Courtois again denied Madrid’s attempts as Ancelotti showed visible frustration. Madrid’s midfield looked overwhelmed, while Leipzig’s attackers, Szoboszlai, Forsberg, and Haidara, pressed high, presenting a stark contrast to Madrid’s containment efforts. Ancelotti responded by reinforcing the defense with Rudiger and moving Nacho to a wing position to shore up the backline, attempting to blunt the visitors’ advance.
Thirty-five minutes in, Madrid managed to respond as Rodrygo and Vinicius showed intent to salvage something from the game. Asensio delivered a cross that Vinicius converted for a goal, briefly rekindling hope as the rain eased. It was the start of Madrid’s late push to equalize, though Leipzig continued to threaten on the break, exploiting spaces behind Madrid’s defense whenever the ball was turned over.
The second half brought a shift in tempo. Madrid tried to consolidate their position and control the match, while Leipzig remained disciplined, extending their defensive organization and looking to catch Madrid on the counter. Ancelotti and Rose kept their chess-like battle going, with neither manager willing to sacrifice shape for tempo. The Italian’s choice to reduce the pace in midfield aimed to neutralize Leipzig’s forward thrust, while Rose experimented with options such as Werner and Dani Olmo, prompting a lively exchange from the benches. The match then settled into a more cautious rhythm, with the outcome increasingly leaning toward a route decided on the margins rather than through open play.
VINI JR delivered a moment of signature individual skill, a moment captured by fans on social media with the caption about his flair. The game highlighted the challenge Madrid faced without key figures and the depth of Leipzig’s squad. Madrid’s options dried up on the bench, and a late substitution of Hazard, who had not been in regular action for weeks, underscored the limited alternatives available to the visitors. By the 80th minute, Simakan’s intervention sealed Madrid’s fate, with Alaba retreating and Militao failing to clear a dangerous ball that allowed Werner to threaten again. Rodrygo’s late penalty, awarded after a foul on Nkunku, added some gloss to the scoreline but could not change the outcome. The final whistle confirmed that Madrid would need a strong performance against Celtic to reclaim a leading position in the group.
Final score: Leipzig 3- Real Madrid 2.
Leipzig lineup: Blaswich; Simakan (Heinrich 87′), Orbán, Gvardiol, Raum (Diallo 68′); Haidara (Campbell 83′), Schlager, Szoboszlai, Forsberg (Dani Olmo 68′); Nkunku, Andre Silva (Werner 68′).
Real Madrid lineup: Courtois; Vázquez (Carvajal 68′), Rudiger, Militao, Nacho (Alaba 68′); Camavinga, Tchouameni, Kroos (Danger 72′); Asensio, Rodrygo and Vinicius.
Key moments: 1-0, Gvardiol (13′); 2-0, Nkunku (18′); 2-1, Vinicius (43′); 3-1, Werner (80′); 3-2, Rodrygo (93′). Judge: Daniele Orsato. The match was played at Red Bull Arena.