Sesko saddened as Leipzig squander Real chance of success

Benjamin Sesko felt RB Leipzig missed a chance to punish Real Madrid after losing the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie 1-0 in the Red Bull Arena.

Brahim Diaz scored the only goal of the game minutes after the break when bending a stunning strike beyond the outstretched glove of Peter Gulacsi after a jinking run.

Despite having the better share of chances, the hosts were unable to outdo Real shot-stopper Andriy Lunin and subsequently will head to the Spanish capital a goal down.

Following the defeat, Slovenian striker Sesko was devastated his side failed to capitalise on their numerous opportunities in front of goal.

He told TNT Sports: "Yes, it is hard when I cannot use those chances from the team.

"We just have to keep going, there is one more game [and] we have to use it better next time."

Sesko, 20, had a goal ruled out early in the first half after Benjamin Henrichs was adjudged to have interfered with Lunin in the build-up.

He had several more chances he was unable to put away — yet he maintains a belief that his side can turn things around in the Bernabeu.

The attacker added: "We played really well. We showed we have a big quality, it just didn't work out and hopefully [we] are going to be better in the second game.

"I am happy that I am in those kind of [goalscoring] situations and it is just up to me to finish those, it is really important for the team and to win the game.

"I have to prepare better and I'm looking forward for the upcoming game."

The two sides will meet again on Wednesday, March 6 with Los Blancos in a strong position to secure a quarter-final spot for the fourth year running.

They will hope to welcome back talismanic midfielder Jude Bellingham for that contest, with the England ace sidelined through an ankle issue picked up in last weekend's 4-0 win over LaLiga title rivals Girona.