Braga succumbs to Real Madrid’s Champions League prowess, Goals from Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrigo sent Real Madrid into the last 16 of the Champions League with two group games remaining after a 3-0 victory over Portuguese side Braga on Wednesday.
The victory not only highlighted the team’s defensive prowess and exceptional goalkeeping, but also the strength of its attacking lineup, even as key players were rested.
That includes top scorer Jude Bellingham with a shoulder injury, but the 14-time champions maintained their 100% record to top Group C with 12 points from four games.
Match Highlights: An early scare, a dominant performance
The match began with an early penalty shootout for Real Madrid, which Lucas Vazquez conceded.
However, goalkeeper Andriy Lonnen’s save showed his agility and composure under pressure, setting the stage for Real Madrid’s dominance.
The team took control of the game, Brahm Diaz opened the scoring with a first-time strike, and Vinicius Jr. and Rodrigo extended the lead with impressive victories.
Strategic decisions and squad depth
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, strategically rested regular starters, including top scorer Jude Bellingham. The decision highlighted the depth and talent within the squad, reflected in the impressive performances of players such as Brahim Diaz. The team’s flexibility and adaptability was evident as they maintained high performance levels despite lineup changes.
The Italians are second with seven points, four behind Braga on the occasion. Union Berlin are bottom on a point after a 1-1 draw against Napoli earlier on Wednesday.
Real had an early scare when Lucas Vazquez held down Braga defender Cristian Borja in the box to concede a penalty in the fourth minute.
However, goalkeeper Andre Lunin, who was a last-minute inclusion in Real’s starting eleven due to an injury to Capa Arrizabalaga in the warm-up, palmed away Alvaro Djallo’s weak effort.
Vázquez fought hard in the 20th minute after a challenge from winger Bruma inside the box that could have earned Real another penalty and a second yellow card if the referee ruled it was a foul, as Braga’s players did. Complained a lot.
However, he was dropped and Real again took control of the game. Diaz, whose earlier goal had a foul ruled out in the build-up, opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a first-time strike from close range, assisted by Rodrigo with a low cross.
Diaz could have extended their lead in the 55th minute, but goalkeeper Mathis made two reflex saves in quick succession to keep out the Spanish midfielder’s double effort from close range.
Defensive strength and offensive efficiency
Real Madrid’s defensive solidity was evident as they kept Sporting Braga from scoring while keeping a clean sheet.
Three minutes later, Vinicius launched a counter-attack and played alongside his compatriot Rodrigo, the team displayed coordinated attacking play, effective counter-attacks, and clinical finishing combined with individual skills and collective teamwork that Diaz, Vinicius Jr. , and is evident in Rodrygo’s goals.
But in the 58th minute Venecius Jr. doubled the lead when he collected a low cross by Vazquez and produced a neat finish from inside the box.
“It was a great game, three goals, no takers… I’m happy for the goal, the assist and of course the win and the qualification, which is the most important thing,” said man-of-the-match Rodrigo. Mitch Rodrigo told Movistar Plus.
Willingness and determination to compete
The victory secured Real Madrid progress to the last 16 of the Champions League and top spot in Group C.
The team’s strong performance underlines their ambition and determination to compete at the highest level of European football. As they continue their campaign, their collective strength, strategy and individual prowess make them strong contenders.
He further said that، “We have a lot of quality in our squad, which is very deep. If we have a good day, it’s hard to stop us from scoring goals. Today was a great day and we hope for the same in the next games,” he added. It will happen.”
