Werner strikes as RB Leipzig hand Real Madrid first defeat of the season

German outfit RB Leipzig picked up an impressive 3-2 win over European champions Real Madrid in their Group F clash to keep hopes alive for a place in the Round of 16 of this season’s UEFA Champions League. Former Chelsea striker Timo Werner was on the scoresheet for his German side in the game.

Having lost to the Spanish champions in the reverse fixture, Leipzig was looking to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the competition. They started the match with intent and went in front after only 13 minutes as 20-year-old Josko Gvardiol opened the scoring with a fine header from close range after a Thibaut Courtois save landed in his path.

The German outfit doubled their advantage only five minutes later as the highly-rated Christopher Nkunku scored from inside the box after the ball fell to him following a corner. The Frenchman gave his side a shock two-goal lead against the European champions.

Real Madrid pulled one back through the impressive Vinicius Junior in the 44th minute after he headed a cross from teammate Marco Asensio into an unguarded net.

With the match nearing its conclusion, former Chelsea forward Timo Werner continued his renaissance at RB Leipzig. The German international was on hand to tap home a square ball from Mohammed Simakan and put his side back in control of the tie in the 81st minute.

Real Madrid pulled one back at the death as Brazilian youngster Rodrygo fired home a 94th-minute penalty to make it 3-2 and round off the goalscoring for the night.

RB Leipzig successfully inflicted a first defeat of the 2022-23 season on Real Madrid, ending their run as one of only three sides in Europe’s top divisions to have not tasted defeat this season. Real Madrid are through to the last 16 of the competition, while Leipzig will face Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the last 16.