Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz scored a sensational goal as the Whites clinched a 1-0 victory at RB Leipzig on Tuesday in their first leg of the Champions League’s last-16.
The 24-year-old, made up for the injured Jude Bellingham, scored against the run of play in the 48th minute.
“Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and I’m in love with Real Madrid,” an ecstatic Brahim said after the match.
Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois, also impressed with a string of saves to protect the lead as the Spaniards registered their seventh straight win in the competition this season.
"It was difficult for us, that's how it is here," Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "The start of the first half and second half were difficult. Lunin played a great game, the best game.
"We were dangerous in transitions, we could have scored more but we could also have tied. This is a small advantage," said Ancelotti.
In a lively start the home side thought they had taken the lead when striker Benjamin Sesko headed in after three minutes. However, the goal was disallowed following a VAR check.
The Slovenian had another opportunity before Real gradually brought some balance to the game and came close to scoring as well through Rodrygo, making his 200th appearance for the club.
Leipzig were again on the front foot after half-time but the home crowd was silenced when Real took the lead on the break.
"In the end it was a great solo effort that decided the game," said Leipzi's Gulacsi. "It is frustrating for us because we played well and were not the worse team of the two. It was an open game in the second half and we had our chances."
The return leg of the UCL tie is in Spain on March 6.