Real Madrid struggled to get past an RB Leipzig side that missed their scoring chances to have an upset in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Although the Spanish side is through to the quarterfinals, their attack isn’t threatening, and ESPN suggests they need Kylian Mbappé now. Over two legs, Los Blancos could only manage two goals. As a result, their lack of offense might leave them vulnerable, especially if they face a team that can finish their chances.
“If Kylian Mbappé’s Champions League masterclass for Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday had Real Madrid fans dreaming about the future, Madrid’s limp 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig a day later — narrowly scraping through to the quarterfinals 2-1 on aggregate — brought them crashing back down to earth,” ESPN’s Alex Kirkland wrote.
“This was a worryingly flat round-of-16 performance from Madrid, offering little in attack and looking vulnerable in defense. A team with more quality and cooler heads than Leipzig — who had 20 shots to Madrid’s 11 — might have made them pay for it. A major improvement will be required if Madrid are to challenge the likes of Manchester City in this competition this season.”
On Tuesday night at Reale Arena, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 on aggregate to reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Mbappé stole the spotlight in the Parisians’ 2-1 away victory in the second leg, scoring a brace and propelling the capital club to the next round.
Now, PSG heads to the next round, where one of the opponents they can face is Real Madrid. This adds a seismic buzz considering the 25-year-old’s reported decision to leave for the Spanish side.
