Bernardo Silva gives Real Madrid half-time lead against RB Leipzig in Champions League

Real Madrid take a 1-0 lead into half-time against RB Leipzig in their third-day UEFA Champions League meeting at the Santiago-Bernabeu.

Bernardo Silva broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute after a competitive opening period in Madrid. The Portuguese midfielder finished a move involving Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde to put the hosts in front shortly before the interval.

Real Madrid had gradually increased the pressure as the half progressed, but RB Leipzig created several opportunities of their own and repeatedly threatened to make the home side work defensively.

Thibaut Courtois was called into action in the 28th minute when Romulo Cardoso’s volley forced an impressive save from the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Antonio Nusa went close three minutes later, finding an opening inside the penalty area but failing to beat the Madrid defence.

Leipzig then missed their clearest chance of the half in the 41st minute. Christopher Nkunku got through one-on-one with Courtois, but the Belgium international goalkeeper stood up to the attempt and prevented an equaliser.

Real Madrid’s pressure finally produced a reward two minutes later. Guler, Mbappe and Valverde combined in the build-up before the ball returned to the penalty area after Guler’s shot was only partially cleared by Maarten Vandevoordt.

Bernardo Silva reacted quickest to complete the move and score his first goal in Real Madrid colours. The home side almost doubled their advantage immediately afterwards, with Vinicius Junior forcing Vandevoordt into another intervention.

Despite leading at the interval, Real Madrid have not secured control of the match. RB Leipzig have shown they can exploit spaces when they open up, and the visitors will have opportunities to recover if Jose Mourinho’s team lose concentration after the restart.

Yan Diomande, who began the match on the bench against his former club, could also be introduced in the second half to add greater attacking pace and penetration to Leipzig’s play.