Real Madrid sailed into the round of 16 of the Champions League with two group games remaining, thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo on Wednesday. A dominant play helped Madrid to secure a comfortable 3-0 win over Portuguese side Braga on Wednesday. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti rested numerous regular starters, but the 14-time winners kept their perfect record, leading Group C with 12 points from four games. Madrid could clinch first place with a point at home in their next encounter with Napoli. The Italian champions are second on seven points, four ahead of third-placed Braga. Union Berlin is in last place with one point after a 1-1 tie with Napoli.
Lucas Vazquez gave Real Madrid an early scare when he tripped Braga defender Cristian Borja inside the box, resulting in a penalty, but custodian Andriy Lunin saved Alvaro Djalo’s poor penalty attempt. Madrid immediately took control of the ball, and Diaz opened the score in the 27th minute with a first-time effort from close range.
The hosts were in complete control and doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Vinicius stroked home from within the box, with Rodrygo netting a stunning chip three minutes later to secure the points. In the 20th minute, Vazquez went in hard on a challenge on Braga winger Bruma inside the box, which might have cost Madrid another penalty and a second yellow card if the referee ruled it was an infraction.
However, he was allowed off the hook, and Madrid took control of the game. Diaz, who had an earlier goal ruled off for a foul in the build-up, opened the score in the 27th minute with a first-time effort from close range, aided by Rodrygo’s low cross. Diaz had a chance to extend their advantage in the 55th minute, but Matheus made two successive reflex saves to deny the Spanish midfielder’s double effort from close range.
Matheus also saved a Rodrygo shot from the outside of the box to keep Braga in the game, but Vinicius increased the lead in the 58th minute, collecting a low cross from Vazquez and finishing neatly from within the box. Three minutes later, Vinicius initiated a counter-attack and passed in his compatriot Rodrygo, who secured the win with a superb chip over the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead in a tense 4-3 Champions League loss to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday. The defeat was a devastating blow to United’s chances of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.
