Champions League: RB Leipzig VS Real Madrid CF: RB Leipzig's resurgence inflicts Real Madrid's first defeat of the season

Goals from Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku, and Timo Werner powered the home side to a 3-2 win over the Champions League holders.

Not only was this Real's first Champions League loss of the season, but it also keeps Leipzig well in the hunt as far as making it to the knockout stage is concerned.

As things stand, they are second in the group with nine points – three points ahead of third-placed FC Shakhtar Donetsk, who have a better goal difference.

But the good news for Leipzig is they will take on Shakhtar in the final group game of the season – meaning all they need is a draw to secure their spot in the top 16.

As for Real was their first loss through the season, but manager Carlo Ancelotti appeared relaxed after the defeat.

"No, it wasn't because we relaxed too much. I didn't see a lack of attitude. It was a set-piece situation and then that made the game a lot more difficult and they could counter well," he said after the match.  

"We did manage to get back into the match, but it wasn't to be. We were going to lose at some point, and it hurt because we wanted to win, but we could still finish first in the group."

"Sometimes you learn more from one defeat than from 10 wins in a row."

Indeed, Real did get unlucky with their first two goals – although they came after sustained periods of pressure from Leipzig.

The first came after a bit of ping-pong from a corner, ending with Gvardiol heading the home side ahead.

The second goal was also a bit fortunate – another corner came in, with the ball deflecting off a Real player before landing at Nkunku's feet, who rifled home to double their lead.

This wore up a much-changed Real Madrid side, who began to play with a little more intensity. This reaped some rewards, as Vinicius Jr. pulled one back for Los Blancos just before halftime.

But the momentum didn't carry through to the second half, as Real continued to struggle after the break. To make things worse, Vinicius skimmed a good chance just wide of the post.

But Leipzig would kill the game with nine minutes to spare when an excellent counter-attack ended with Timo Werner scoring the team's third goal.

Real did get a consolation goal courtesy of Rodrygo, who won and converted a penalty with the game's final kick.

Afterwards, Leipzig head coach Marco Rose was praised for his team. "I'm very pleased with today's performance and I'm happy that the boys believed in themselves and rewarded themselves. Despite the win, we know that we're not through the group. We have to try and take the final step in Warsaw (the venue Leipzig will take on Shakhtar)."