By SABC Sport
7th March 2024
The match concluded with a 1-1 draw, propelling Real Madrid into the next stage with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
The standout moment of the night came from Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, who showcased his brilliance with a crucial goal in the second half. However, controversy surrounded the Brazilian winger, with RB Leipzig's Willi Orban claiming he was fortunate to escape a red card during a heated exchange earlier in the game.
Orban, who himself netted a quick-fire equalizer for Leipzig, found himself entangled in a major flashpoint with Vinicius on the halfway line. The Brazilian's unnecessary late challenge on Orban sparked a heated altercation, culminating in Vinicius pushing the Hungarian defender to the ground via his throat.
Despite the severity of the incident, the referee, Davide Massa, opted for a yellow card, leaving many to question whether the Real Madrid talisman had dodged a red.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sport Austria, Orban did not mince his words, criticizing both Vinicius and the officiating:
"The referees don't have the guts to send off such players. He [Vinicius Junior] grabs my neck with both hands. That's disrespectful."
Orban's outspoken comments add a layer of controversy to an already intense match, raising questions about the refereeing decisions that could have altered the course of the game.