Díaz makes up for Bellingham’s absence as Real Madrid edges Leipzig

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LEIPZIG, Germany, Feb 14, (AP): Brahim Díaz stepped up in the absence of Jude Bellingham, scoring after a mazy solo run to lead Real Madrid to a 1-0 win at Leipzig in the round of 16 in the Champions League.
Replacing the injured Bellingham, Díaz combined some nifty dribbles with a powerful run to get past three Leipzig defenders before hitting the top corner with a left-footed shot from inside the area in the 48th minute.

Díaz spread his arms wide open to imitate his teammate’s trademark goal celebration. Bellingham, one of Madrid’s best players this season, couldn’t play after spraining his ankle in a Spanish league game this weekend.
Leipzig had most of the chances but was denied by some good saves by Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Brahim had to be replaced with an apparent muscle injury late in the game. He walked off the field with ice wrapped around his right calf.

The return leg will be on March 6 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.
Bellingham is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks because of the left ankle injury sustained in a win against Girona on Saturday. The England international has 20 goals in 29 games in all competitions, including four goals – and three assists – in five Champions League matches.

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