Real Madrid’s Champions League final chance hopes take big blow after draw

Courtois’ heroics paper over the cracks as Madrid stutter to stalemate with Union

Madrid missed a great chance to move a point behind rivals Barcelona at the top of the table with a surprise 1-1 draw at home to Union Berlin in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Real Madrid's hopes of reaching the Champions League final suffered a major blow on Tuesday as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Union Berlin in the first leg of their quarter-final. The Spanish giants were heavy favorites to win the match, but they were unable to break down a resilient Union defense and were fortunate to escape with a draw.

Real Madrid started the match brightly and created a number of chances in the opening stages, but they were unable to find the back of the net. Union Berlin grew into the game as the half wore on and they began to create chances of their own. The German side took the lead in the 20th minute when Sheraldo Becker fired home from close range after a mistake by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but they were unable to find a way through the Union Berlin defense. The German side defended resolutely and they were able to hold on for a famous draw. The result means that Real Madrid will need to win the second leg in Berlin if they want to reach the semi-finals.

Real Madrid's performance was disappointing, but they were grateful to Courtois for keeping them in the game. The Belgian goalkeeper made a number of crucial saves, including one from a penalty in the second half. Courtois' performance was one of the few positives for Real Madrid on a night to forget.

The draw means that Real Madrid's hopes of winning the Champions League are hanging by a thread. The Spanish giants will need to produce a much better performance in the second leg if they want to reach the semi-finals.

Here are some of the key points from the match:

• Real Madrid were heavy favorites to win the match, but they were unable to break down a resilient Union Berlin defense.
• Union Berlin took the lead in the 20th minute when Sheraldo Becker fired home from close range after a mistake by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
• Real Madrid pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but they were unable to find a way through the Union Berlin defense.
• Courtois made a number of crucial saves, including one from a penalty in the second half.
• The draw means that Real Madrid will need to win the second leg in Berlin if they want to reach the semi-finals.

The second leg of the quarter-final will be played in Berlin on March 7. Real Madrid will need to produce a much better performance if they want to reach the semi-finals.