Real Madrid midfielder Valverde hails Brahim, Lunin for victory at RB Leipzig

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde praised Brahim Diaz and Andriy Lunin for their Champions League win at RB Leipzig.

Brahim scored for the 1-0 round 16 first-leg victory.

Valverde said: "I'm happy with the result and how the team put the effort in. It wasn't a brilliant performance but we have to congratulate the three front players, they did an incredible job, not only with the ball, and that was vital today to give the midfielders and the defenders a bit of respite.

We struggled to get into the game early on, then we conceded the goal that they ruled out. I haven't seen it, of course, but I think it was given offside. We have to improve there. We shouldn't have to concede a goal to react. We were hesitant at that point and we paid for it. We did better in the second half, we improved at the back and going forward."

On Brahim's goal, he said: I'm thrilled for him. He's not someone who's always in the starting line-up, he doesn't get to play every game but whenever he gets on the pitch he does brilliantly, and he works hard and with the right attitude. That's important for the whole team. Having players like him always helps."

For goalkeeper Lunin, Valverde also stated: He was amazing, congratulations to him. He put in a very mature display at what is a very difficult ground to come to, especially for him. We know the goalkeeper has enormous responsibility resting on his shoulders."