Valverde, Rodrygo speak out after RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid: “Nothing’s finished, we have another game”

RB Leipzig were in no way inferior to Real Madrid during their UEFA Champions League meeting last night.

Facing the record champions in the Round of 16 first leg, they fought valiantly and created innumerable chances to go ahead.

A masterclass from Andriy Lunin and a golazo from Brahim Diaz, however, sealed the deal for Real Madrid as they took home a 1-0 lead into the second leg. The fixture is far from over, but the narrow advantage could have a critical role to play next month.

Federico Valverde spoke to the media after his team’s win over the German opposition on the night and stressed how it was only possible with an all-round performance from all departments.

"I’m happy with the result and how the team put the effort in. It wasn’t a brilliant performance but we have to congratulate the three front players, they did an incredible job, not only with the ball, and that was vital today to give the midfielders and the defenders a bit of respite."

Commenting on Leipzig’s initial dominance in the game that included a goal that was disallowed, Valverde also spoke on how the team hit the reset button.

"We struggled to get into the game early on, then we conceded the goal that they ruled out. I haven’t seen it, of course, but I think it was given offside. We have to improve there."

"We shouldn’t have to concede a goal to react. We were hesitant at that point and we paid for it. We did better in the second half, we improved at the back and going forward," he added.

The Uruguayan sensation also extended his support and praise for Brahim Diaz, the goalscorer on the night, and said that having such committed players was a boon.

"I’m thrilled for him. He’s not someone who’s always in the starting lineup, he doesn’t get to play every game but whenever he gets on the pitch he does brilliantly, and he works hard and with the right attitude. That’s important for the whole team. Having players like him always helps."

Finally, the midfielder expressed his amazement at Andriy Lunin’s special performance on the night that included a staggering nine saves to keep Leipzig at bay.

"He was amazing, congratulations to him. He put in a very mature display on what is a very difficult ground to come to, especially for him. We know the goalkeeper has enormous responsibility resting on his shoulders."

Rodrygo Goes was one of the players who had a special statistic on the night, as he hit 200 games with the Real Madrid crest during the UCL fixture.

"I am very happy. Not even in my best dreams I imagined playing 200 games when I was 23 years old. It’s a dream to be here every day. I am very happy and I want a lot more," he said about the special milestone.

The youngster also commented on the game and its outcome, saying,

"It’s an important victory in a very difficult field. We know that nothing is finished and that we have another game that is going to be difficult too, but we are focused on moving from the phase."