Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pointed out the lack of intensity in his side’s performance against RB Leipzig in their Champions League fixture. The defending champions of the competition traveled to Leipzig for their fifth game of the season, where they conceded two early goals to the hosts. 

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pointed out the lack of intensity in his side’s performance against RB Leipzig in their Champions League fixture. The defending champions of the competition traveled to Leipzig for their fifth game of the season, where they conceded two early goals to the hosts. 

Josko Gvardiol opened the scoring with a close-range headed goal past the Belgian keeper in the 13th minute. Christopher Nkunku made it two to the good for the side taking his goal tally for the season to 10. Vinicius Junior dragged one back for the 14-time European Cup winners just before half-time, but Timo Werner’s second goal in the competition took it beyond Real Madrid. 

Although a late penalty salvaged one goal back for Real through Rodrygo, Leipzig emerged with three points in their first-ever victory over the Spanish heavyweights. Courtois went on to mention that his side did not win enough duels and lacked the required intensity to win such a game. 

”It is what sometimes happens to us. We went out asleep, without intensity and you pay for it. The coach warned us and it still happened. As a goalkeeper, you are noticing that we are not in the game. In many duels, we did not win. That happens in both goals, due to lack of intensity. We have to wake up,” Courtois said. 

Real Madrid won three games and drew one before this fixture. With 10 points to their credit and other results working in their favor, they were already through to the round of 16 which gave Carlo Ancelotti the opportunity to make some changes. However, their opponents were on top for the most part of the game, becoming the first German team to beat Real since Wolfsburg in 2015-16. 

This victory puts Leipzig three points ahead of their next week’s opponents Shakhtar Donetsk, but if Shakhtar manages to win the fixture against Leipzig, they will surpass the German side to enter the pre-quarterfinals. Shakhtar defeated Leipzig comprehensively in their last meeting by a 4-1 margin at the Red Bull Arena, but for Marco Rose’s team, a point can do the job. 

Real Madrid will face Girona in their league campaign this weekend whilst Leipzig will face the struggling Bayer Leverkusen.