Real Madrid lead RB Leipzig 1-0 at half-time in their third UEFA Champions League match, with Bernardo Silva’s 43rd-minute goal separating the sides at Santiago-Bernabeu.

The opening period was closely contested, with both teams creating opportunities before the hosts finally broke the deadlock shortly before the interval. Silva finished a flowing move involving Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde to give Real Madrid the advantage.

Leipzig had threatened on several occasions as the half progressed. Romulo Cardoso tested Thibaut Courtois in the 28th minute, forcing the Belgium goalkeeper into an impressive save from a volley.

Antonio Nusa went close three minutes later after finding space inside the Real Madrid penalty area, although the home defence prevented him from getting a clean finish away. Christopher Nkunku then missed Leipzig’s clearest opportunity in the 41st minute, shooting straight at Courtois after going through one-on-one.

Real Madrid’s increasing pressure was rewarded two minutes before the break. Guler, Mbappe and Valverde combined before the ball fell back into the Leipzig box after Guler’s effort had been only partially stopped by Maarten Vandevoordt.

Silva reacted quickest to the rebound and completed the move, scoring his first goal for Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior almost doubled the lead moments later, but Vandevoordt made another important intervention to keep Leipzig within touching distance.

The home side therefore take a narrow advantage into the second half, but Leipzig’s first-half display showed they remain capable of exploiting spaces in the Real Madrid defence. The visitors may yet draw level if Jose Mourinho’s team lose concentration after the restart.

Yan Diomande, who began the match on the bench against his former club, could also be introduced in the second half as Leipzig look for greater attacking pace and penetration.