Real Madrid continued their 100% start to the season in all competitions, defeating RB Leipzig 2-0 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Injury problems had gripped the European champions, with Karim Benzema and Éder Militão joined by Lucas Vázquez on the treatment table over the weekend.

With no recognised striker in the lineup, Los Blancos were largely toothless in an incredibly low-key first half in the Spanish capital.

A relatively tame effort from the edge of the box by Luka Modrić, which drifted wide, was as close as Carlo Ancelotti’s men came in a turgid display, leaving the home fans voicing their displeasure before the interval.

Contrastingly, Leipzig appeared solid at the back and relatively threatening on the break. Christopher Nkunku had the best opening of the half, firing towards the near post only to be denied by Thibaut Courtois.

The Frenchman’s partnership with Timo Werner in attack was presenting problems, with Nkunku a matter of inches away from converting a low cross delivered by the former Chelsea striker.

After the break, the frustrated home crowd were left waiting until the 72nd minute for a first shot on target from either side. Rodrygo’s square ball found Federico Valverde, who poked through to Vinícius Júnior at full stretch, but Péter Gulácsi was out quickly to smother his attempt.

The enterprising Uruguayan would be the one to finally produce a moment of quality in the final third, firing the Spaniards firing the Spaniards into the lead. Picked out by Vinícius Jr, Valverde cut inside onto his left before firing into the corner, relieving the anxiety of the Madrid faithful.

Marco Asensio put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, scoring his 50th Real goal in spectacular fashion, as he thundered home from the edge of the area.

Die Roten Bullen now have a mountain to climb if they are to qualify after losing their opening two matches, with their doubleheader against Celtic pivotal to their progression.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu