Real Madrid secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare after a convincing 3-0 victory over Braga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. The Spanish giants maintained their perfect record in Group C with four wins out of four, scoring 14 goals and conceding none.
Brahim Diaz opens the scoring with a stunning strike
The hosts took the lead in the 17th minute when Brahim Diaz, who started in place of the injured Jude Bellingham, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that flew past the helpless Braga goalkeeper. It was the Moroccan-born midfielder’s third goal in the competition this season, and his fifth in all competitions.
Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo add to the tally with clinical finishes
Real Madrid doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Vinicius Jr, who has been in sensational form this season, latched onto a through ball from Eduardo Camavinga and slotted it past the keeper with his left foot. It was the Brazilian winger’s seventh goal in the Champions League, and his 15th in all competitions.
The third goal came in the 63rd minute when Rodrygo, who came on as a substitute for Karim Benzema, scored with his first touch of the game. The 21-year-old received a cross from Dani Carvajal and volleyed it into the bottom corner with his right foot. It was his second goal in the Champions League, and his fourth in all competitions.
Braga miss a penalty as Real Madrid keep a clean sheet
Braga had a chance to pull one back in the 71st minute when they were awarded a penalty after Nacho fouled Alvaro Djalo in the box. However, the spot-kick was saved by Andriy Lunin, who made his first appearance for Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Ukrainian goalkeeper, who replaced Thibaut Courtois in the starting line-up, made a diving stop to his left to deny the Braga defender.
Real Madrid controlled the game from start to finish and did not allow Braga to create any clear-cut chances. The Portuguese side, who are third in the group with three points, will have to fight for their survival in the next two games against Inter Milan and Sheriff Tiraspol.
Carlo Ancelotti praises his players for their performance and attitude
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with his team’s display and praised his players for their performance and attitude. He said: “I’m very happy with the result and the way we played. We showed a lot of quality and intensity. We have a lot of confidence and we are enjoying ourselves on the pitch.”
He also lauded the contributions of the young players, who stepped up in the absence of some key players. He said: “Brahim, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Camavinga, Lunin… they all did very well. They have a lot of talent and they are working hard. They are the future of this club.”
Real Madrid will face Inter Milan in their next Champions League game on November 23, while Braga will host Sheriff Tiraspol on the same day.
