Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig: Los Blancos Star Rues Team's Poor Show Despite Advancing To UCL Quarter-Finals

Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig: Antonio Rudiger expressed disappointment over Real Madrid's lackluster performance against RB Leipzig despite advancing to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Real Madrid CF and RB Leipzig at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 06, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

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Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig: Real Madrid held firm against a relentless RB Leipzig attack, earning a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 matchup. This result propelled them to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate triumph on March 6 (Wednesday). Antonio Rudiger was an unhappy customer despite the win as he conveyed his dissatisfaction with Real Madrid's display against RB Leipzig.

After the Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig game, Rudiger, in an interview with CBS Sports, conveyed that the team wasn't celebrating the victory due to an unsatisfactory performance. Despite advancing to the next stage, he acknowledged the need for discussions about the team's overall display.

"No, we don't celebrate this. We don't celebrate this because it was not a good performance. At the end of the day we are through, but there is stuff to talk about," Rudiger expressed after the game.

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"We suffered a lot. They played well and we played bad. Simple."

A candid @ToniRuediger reacts as Real Madrid do just enough to advance to the #UCL quarterfinals 👀 pic.twitter.com/NHduVEd4fJ

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 6, 2024

Real Madrid Edge Past RB Leipzig, Thanks To Vinicius Jr. & Jude Bellingham

At the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos hosted Leipzig for the Round of 16 second leg, holding a slim 1-0 advantage from the first match at the Red Bull Arena. Manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for an unexpected starting XI, featuring only Vinicius Jr. as the forward alongside five midfielders. However, this strategy proved ineffective, with Leipzig generating numerous scoring opportunities but unable to find the back of the net.

In the second half of the Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig game, Ancelotti introduced Rodrygo Goes and it proved to be a pivotal move. Vinicius capitalised on a superb counter-attack orchestrated by Jude Bellingham, finding the net in the 65th minute. Nevertheless, Leipzig quickly retaliated, with Willi Orban scoring just three minutes later.

Despite the German side making a staggering 40 attempts on goal, only four found the target, and numerous opportunities went begging. Real Madrid managed to withstand the pressure, preserving their 2-1 aggregate lead and securing passage to the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid are set to resume league action by hosting Celta Vigo on March 10 (Sunday) in a La Liga fixture.