Real Madrid certified for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a routine 3-0 victory over Braga on Wednesday night.
Braga wasted an excellent likelihood to take an early lead within the Spanish capital, Alvaro Djalo seeing his tame penalty saved by Andriy Lunin. Real Madrid responded effectively and finally took the lead with 27 minutes on the clock after Brahim Diaz calmly transformed Rodrygo’s cutback, the hosts heading into half-time with a one-goal cushion.
Vinicius Jr. doubled Madrid’s lead after the break, tidily ending a effectively labored transfer from contained in the penalty space. Rodrygo then made it three shortly afterwards, chipping over Matheus following Vinicius’ pleasant by ball. Braga have been unable to discover a response of any description.
How the sport unfolded
Champions League guests to the Santiago Bernabeu hardly ever get higher alternatives to upset the Real Madrid crowd than Braga did after simply six minutes. Lucas Vazquez was penalised for a pointless pull within the field, however Djalo spurned the possibility to place the Portuguese aspect forward from 12 yards with Lunin rebuffing his penalty.
Vazquez was arguably lucky to not concede one other spot-kick with 20 minutes performed after he bundled into Bruma within the penalty space, however referee Halil Meler and his VAR workforce determined there was no foul. Federico Valverde virtually grabbed an opener for Madrid half-a-minute later, however could not preserve his volley underneath the crossbar.
Real Madrid finally punished Braga’s early penalty miss simply after the midway level of the half. Ferland Mendy’s defence-splitting cross discovered Rodrygo in behind the visiting defence, the Brazilian then reducing again for Diaz to elevate into the roof of the online from shut vary.
Rodrygo noticed an effort of his personal effectively saved by Matheus simply earlier than the break as Madrid continued to probe the Braga backline. Despite their greatest efforts, the hosts needed to settle for a one-goal benefit on the break as the guests rued that early fluffed spot-kick.
Diaz continued to terrorise the Braga defence after the break together with his fast ft, the Spaniard seeing a shot effectively saved by Matheus earlier than his rebound was blocked, whereas Rodrygo additionally had an effort parried by the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Eventually Madrid did handle a well-earned second on 58 minutes. Vazquez provided Vinicius Jr. within the penalty space, with the Brazilian jinking on to his proper foot earlier than unleashing a positive low drive into the underside nook.
Two grew to become three simply minutes later, Rodrygo ending a devastating counter-attack with a deft chip from Vinicius’ cross. The Brazilian duo mixed splendidly to place the sport past all doubt, with Braga needing the mightiest of miracles to stage a dramatic comeback.
No such miracle was forthcoming for the Portuguese aspect, with Madrid persevering with to check the Braga defence regardless of taking their foot off the fuel. The hosts strolled to a few factors ultimately, securing qualification from Group C after a fourth straight Champions League win.
GK: Andriy Lunin – 8/10 – Kept Madrid from falling behind with an early penalty save, reaching low to his proper to palm Djalo’s effort out. The Ukrainian had little or no else to do however did showcase his calmness in possession.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – 5/10 – Idiotic concession of a penalty early on and was maybe fortunate to not give away one other quarter-hour later. His errors might have proved pricey however he was luckily bailed out by teammates.
CB: Nacho – 7/10 – Solid if not spectacular, with more and more much less to do as the sport wore on.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – 7/10 – Much just like the entirety of the Madrid defence, Rudiger struggled just a little within the opening half-an-hour. However, improved as time handed and Braga wilted.
LB: Ferland Mendy – 6/10 – The odd foray ahead however did not do an terrible lot to complement the assault. Strong defensively, albeit hardly ever examined.
CM: Toni Kroos – 6/10 – Some characteristically neat passing all through. Not his busiest efficiency, leaving the exhausting yards to Valverde and Camavinga.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – 8/10 – Effortless all through, gliding previous challenges in midfield and utilizing his physicality to dominate central areas. Such a swish and chic footballer.
CM: Federico Valverde – 8/10 – The true definition of a box-to-box midfielder in opposition to Braga, motoring ahead at any alternative to assist the assault. Barely put a foot incorrect in a commanding show.
AM: Brahim Diaz – 8/10 – Madrid’s sharpest risk all through the primary half, dazzling together with his quick ft and fast turns. Capped a formidable outing with a nicely-taken objective.
ST: Rodrygo – 8/10 – Silenced a couple of critics with a splendid efficiency on the Bernabeu. Provided the help for Diaz’s opener and took his objective majestically, delicately dinking over the Braga goalkeeper after a elegant first contact. Lively all through and brought on the guests loads of issues.
ST: Vinicius Jr. – 8/10 – Not at his devastating greatest within the first half however undoubtedly grew into the sport. Excellent within the second half, taking his objective superbly and setting Rodrygo up with an inch-perfect by ball. Terrorised the Braga backline.
Substitutes
SUB: Luka Modric (74′ for Diaz) – 6/10
SUB: Dani Carvajal (74′ for Vazquez) – 6/10
SUB: Joselu (77′ for Rodrygo) – 6/10
SUB: Nicolas Paz (77′ for Valverde) – 6/10
SUB: Fran Garcia (84′ for Mendy) – N/A
Subs not used: Pineiro (GK), Alaba, Bellingham, Guler.
Manager
Carlo Ancelotti – 7/10 – Had to manage with out the influential Jude Bellingham, with Diaz entering into his sneakers in a formidable show. A cushty night for his Madrid aspect.
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