Real Madrid’s Commanding Performance Propels Them to the Champions League Knockout Stage
Real Madrid, boasting a record 14-time triumph in the competition, effortlessly secured their spot in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday with a commanding 3-0 victory over Braga, maintaining their flawless 100 percent record.
Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes found the net for the Spanish giants, securing progress from Group C even in the absence of the rested top goalscorer, Jude Bellingham.
Despite Brazilian wingers Vinicius and Rodrygo facing criticism for their goal drought this season, both answered with elegant finishes, contributing to their team’s advancement after Diaz opened the scoring.
With four wins from four games, Real Madrid leads the group with 12 points, ahead of Napoli, who sits in second place with seven points after a 1-1 draw against the bottom team, Union Berlin.
Los Blancos goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga sustained an injury during the warm-up, leading to Andriy Lunin stepping in as his replacement.
Lunin immediately made an impact, diving to his right to save Alvaro Djalo’s penalty in the sixth minute. Although Lucas Vazquez had fouled Cristian Borja in the area, the Portuguese side failed to capitalize on the penalty opportunity.
Diaz had an initially disallowed goal for a foul by Vinicius, but he soon found the net again, this time with a valid goal. Rodrygo’s ball cut back to Diaz, who fired into the roof of the net from close range, breaking the deadlock.
In a display of sarcastic celebration, Diaz drew a VAR screen, seemingly daring officials to disallow the strike. Operating in Bellingham’s usual attacking midfield role, Diaz played a pivotal role in Madrid’s forward moves.
Bellingham, with 13 goals in 14 games since his summer transfer, observed from the bench as Ancelotti allowed him to recover from a shoulder problem suffered in the Rayo draw.
Diaz had another chance but faced a superb double save from Benfica goalkeeper Matheus early in the second half.
Vinicius scored the second goal before the hour mark, showcasing clever movement and footwork in the box, followed by a smooth low finish. Although his goal tally is lower than his standards, Ancelotti predicts both Vinicius and Rodrygo will outscore Bellingham by the end of the campaign.
Rodrygo added Madrid’s third with an exquisite chipped finish after Vinicius set him up, prompting celebrations from Ancelotti on the sidelines.
The coach, advocating patience for his dynamic duo upfront, was rewarded as they both contributed goals, delighting the Santiago Bernabeu. Lunin made a crucial save in stoppage time, denying former Barcelona striker Abel Ruiz’s header and preserving Madrid’s clean sheet.
