Real Madrid consolidated their position at the top of Group C of UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Braga. Goals from either side of the break by Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham ensured Carlo Ancelotti’s men maintained their unbeaten record in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Artur Jorge named a much-changed starting XI from the cup victory at fourth-tier Rebordosa with the likes of Saatci and Niakate coming into the defence. Banza replaced Ruiz up top. Moutinho and Castro were two of the players to drop to the bench.
Ancelotti went with four alterations from the 1-1 draw at Sevilla with Nacho and Garcia coming into the back four for Alaba and Mendy. Camavinga and Modric were given the nod to Tchouameni and Kroos in midfield.
Real Madrid took the lead early on through Rodrygo although they barely had any chance before the goal. Nacho floated a ball over the top for Vinicius and he beat his man before crossing into the middle, where Rodrygo was waiting to poke home and put the visitors 1-0 up. Los Blancos had quite a few chances after that but failed to score in the first half.
Real Madrid doubled their lead in the second half through Jude Bellingham. A Madrid counter seems to have gone when Rodrygo overhit his cross for Vinicius, but the recipient was able to latch onto the pass before cutting it back for Bellingham. The England international set his sights on the bottom corner, and his finish was delightful as it flew into the back of the net to put the visitors 2-0 up.
With the goal, Bellingham had scored and assisted in four different games in the Champions League, including last time out for Madrid against Napoli. He’s the first midfielder under 21 years to do so on as many as four occasions in the competition since Cesc Fabregas between 2006 and 2007 (three).
Braga pulled a goal back immediately after Los Blancos’ second goal but failed to get the equaliser as Madrid held on to the lead to secure the win.
Real Madrid vs Braga XI
Real Madrid XI – Kepa, Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Garcia, Camavinga, Modric, Valverde, Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrygo.
Braga XI – Mattheus, Mendes, Fonte, Niakate, Borja, Al Musrati, Carvalho, Djalo, Bruma, Horta, Ruiz.
