Real Madrid Thrashed by Salzburg in Champions League Last 16 First Leg
Real Madrid's hopes of winning a record-extending 15th Champions League title were dealt a major blow on Tuesday as they were thrashed 3-0 by Red Bull Salzburg in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Austrian champions Salzburg, who reached the knockout stages for the first time, stunned the 14-time European champions with a dominant display at the Red Bull Arena.
Noah Okafor gave Salzburg a deserved lead in the 39th minute, finishing off a flowing team move with a clinical strike.
The hosts doubled their advantage just after the hour mark when Antoine Bernede slotted home from close range following a corner.
And Salzburg put the tie beyond Real's reach when Fernando burst through the visitors' defence and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
The result leaves Real with a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 8.
Salzburg Dominate From the Start
Salzburg made a bright start to the game and could have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Okafor raced clear on goal, but his shot was well saved by Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The hosts continued to press and were rewarded for their efforts when Okafor broke the deadlock with a fine finish.
Real struggled to create chances in the first half and were fortunate not to concede further goals before the break.
Real's Woes Continue
The second half was much the same as the first, with Salzburg continuing to dominate possession and create chances.
Bernede made it 2-0 with a simple finish from close range after Real failed to deal with a corner.
And Fernando put the tie beyond Real's reach with a well-taken goal in the 72nd minute.
Real's hopes of a comeback now look slim, and they will need to produce a miraculous performance in the second leg to progress to the quarter-finals.
Salzburg Deserve Credit for Famous Win
Salzburg deserve immense credit for their famous victory.
They played with great intensity and discipline throughout the game and fully merited their victory.
They will now be confident of completing the job in the second leg and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time.
Conclusion
Real Madrid's defeat to Salzburg was a major shock and has left their hopes of winning the Champions League hanging by a thread.
Salzburg, on the other hand, have produced a famous victory and will be confident of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
The second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 8 promises to be a fascinating encounter.
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