After defeating Braga 3-0, Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League knockout phase.
Alvaro Djalo’s penalty miss gave the 14-time European champions an early fright. In the 27th minute, Brahim Diaz gave them the lead. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo scored early in the second half.
Real Madrid has won four of five Group C games and nine of ten Champions League home games, securing a spot in the round of 16 with two games left.
Carlo Ancelotti rested several regulars since the hosts needed one point to qualify.
Jude Bellingham was recovering from a weekend shoulder injury, so David Alaba and Dani Carvajal were other options.
Lucas Vazquez dragged Cristian Borja back by the shirt four minutes into the game, handing Braga a penalty and starting a fantastic chain of events that culminated in his yellow card.
Andriy Lunin saved Real from Djalo’s poor penalty.
The home team requested a penalty when Sikou Niakate’s challenge knocked Rodrygo down, but the referee waived play on.
Read More
- OLYMPIC STADIUM TOUR During the Day of the Match
- Man City advanced to the round of 16 of the Champions League by defeating Young Boys 3-0.
In the twelfth minute, Diaz, who had replaced Bellingham, thought he had scored when Niakate misplayed and swiped home Rodrygo’s ball, but the Brazilian was flagged for a foul.
After Vazquez and Bruma collided in the 20th minute, Braga was granted another penalty, but the winger lost control trying to avenge a header.
After Rodrygo dragged back the ball, Diaz scored in the 27th minute. Federico Valverde’s goal propelled the hosts forward.
A left-footed effort at Matheus by Rodrygo missed the chance to extend the lead before halftime.
After Vinicius cut the ball back 10 minutes into the second half, Diaz nearly scored again, but the custodian and Jose Fonte stopped him.
As Real Madrid attacked, Vinicius scored its second goal in the 58th minute, sliding past Fonte into the bottom corner.
Braga took the lead and won after Rodrygo scooped the ball past the custodian after three minutes of play with Vinicius.
Braga cut players to prevent a fourth goal. Lunin blocked an Abel Ruiz header in stoppage time.
Share this content:
One Comment