Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Braga on Wednesday night. The Spanish giants were in control from start to finish, with Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo all scoring to seal the win.
Madrid made a number of changes to their starting lineup, with Carlo Ancelotti resting several key players ahead of their next match against Napoli. However, the team showed no signs of rust, and they were quickly on top against Braga.
Diaz opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a superb individual goal. He collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a delightful shot into the top corner.
Vinicius doubled Madrid’s lead just before half-time. He cut in from the left flank and fired a low shot past the Braga goalkeeper.
Rodrygo completed the scoring in the second half with a cool finish from inside the box.
Madrid were in complete control of the match throughout, and they could have scored more goals. However, they were content to sit back and defend their lead in the second half.
The victory means that Madrid have now qualified for the Champions League knockout stages for the 27th consecutive season. They are top of Group C with 12 points from four matches, and they are five points clear of second-placed Napoli.
Ancelotti’s Rotation Strategy Pays Off
Ancelotti’s decision to rotate his squad paid off handsomely against Braga. He was able to give some of his fringe players a chance to shine, and they all performed well.
Diaz was particularly impressive. He scored a wonderful goal and was a constant threat to the Braga defense. Vinicius was also excellent, and he showed his pace and skill to score his goal.
Rodrygo also made a positive impact off the bench. He scored a well-taken goal to complete the scoring, and he showed that he is still a valuable asset to the team.
Madrid’s Next Challenge: Napoli
Madrid will now turn their attention to their next match against Napoli. The two teams are currently level on points at the top of Group C, so it is set to be a closely contested match.
Ancelotti will be hoping that his team can carry on their momentum from the Braga match. If they can do that, they will be in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
What Does This Victory Mean for Madrid’s Title Chances?
Madrid’s victory over Braga was a significant one, not just in terms of their Champions League campaign. It was also a boost to their hopes of winning La Liga this season.
Madrid have been in excellent form in recent weeks, and they have now won their last four matches in all competitions. They are now just three points behind leaders Barcelona, and they have a game in hand.
If Madrid can continue their winning streak, they will be in a strong position to challenge for the La Liga title.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s victory over Braga was a convincing one, and it showed that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League. Ancelotti’s rotation strategy paid off handsomely, and his fringe players all performed well.
Madrid will now be looking to carry on their momentum against Napoli in their next match. If they can do that, they will be in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.
With Madrid in such good form, they will also be a major contender for the La Liga title this season. If they can maintain their current level of performance, they will be very difficult to beat.
