To get to the Champions League last 16, Real Madrid easily defeats Braga. Madrid advanced from Group C despite the absence of their leading scorer Jude Bellingham, who was rested. Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes were on target for Madrid.
Real Madrid, the record 14-time winners, easily defeated Braga 3-0 on Wednesday to keep their perfect record intact and cruise into the Champions League last 16.
Despite Jude Bellingham, their leading scorer, being rested, the Spanish powerhouses advanced from Group C thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes.
After Diaz opened the score, Vinicius and Rodrygo, two Brazilian wingers who have been criticized for their lack of goals this season, reacted with elegant finishes to help their club advance.
After a 1-1 tie with bottom-place team Union Berlin, Madrid has won four of their last four games to top the group with 12 points, ahead of Napoli in second place with seven.
Madrid has now advanced to the tournament’s knockout stage in 26 straight years.
Andriy Lunin replaced Los Blancos goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was injured during the warm-up.
In the sixth minute, the Ukrainian was called upon to save Alvaro Djalo’s penalty by diving to his right.
Cristian Borja was brought down by Lucas Vazquez in the vicinity, but the Portuguese team was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
On the opposite side, Diaz’s goal was disallowed due to a foul by Vinicius; nonetheless, the former midfield player for Manchester City did not have to wait long for another, legitimate, goal.
Rodrygo broke the deadlock by sending the ball through on the left side of the area and cutting it back to Diaz, who blasted close range into the net’s roof.
With a mocking grin, the 24-year-old drew a VAR screen, seemingly challenging the referees to attempt and stop this goal.
In Bellingham’s customary attacking midfield spot, Diaz performed admirably during a rare start and contributed to the majority of Madrid’s offensive plays.
On the opposite side, Diaz’s goal was disallowed due to a foul by Vinicius; nonetheless, the former midfield player for Manchester City did not have to wait long for another, legitimate, goal.
After making the summer transition, Bellingham has scored 13 goals in 14 appearances. He waited from the sidelines while Ancelotti allowed him to heal from a shoulder injury he sustained in the Rayo tie.
Early in the second half, Benfica goalkeeper Matheus made a fantastic double stop to deny Diaz another opportunity to score.
Up forward, the coach had urged patience for his dynamic combo, and both of them rewarded him with goals that thrilled the Santiago Bernabeu.
“It was a thank-you hug,” Rodrygo clarified. “We must assess others when we’re not feeling well because then we can truly understand their true nature.
