Real Madrid secured their spot in the Champions League knockout stages by comfortably defeating Braga 3-0 on Wednesday evening.
Braga had a golden opportunity to take the lead early in the game when Alvaro Djalo missed a penalty, saved by Andriy Lunin. However, Real Madrid bounced back, and Brahim Diaz calmly converted Rodrygo’s cutback to give them a one-goal lead at halftime.
In the second half, Vinicius Jr. extended Madrid’s lead with a neat finish from inside the penalty area, and Rodrygo made it three by chipping the ball over Matheus following Vinicius’ well-placed through ball. Braga couldn’t muster a response.
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The early drama saw Braga miss a penalty after Lucas Vazquez’s foul, but Djalo failed to capitalize. Vazquez escaped another potential penalty call later in the first half after a challenge on Bruma. Despite the opportunities for both teams, the scoreline remained in favor of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid capitalized on Braga’s missed penalty just past the midway point of the first half. Ferland Mendy’s precise pass split the opposing defense, allowing Rodrygo to break through. The Brazilian then delivered a cutback to Diaz, who lifted the ball into the net from close range.
Rodrygo had his own attempt saved by Matheus just before halftime as Madrid persistently tested Braga’s defensive line. Despite their efforts, the hosts had to settle for a slim one-goal lead at the break, while the visitors lamented their early penalty miss.
Diaz continued to trouble the Braga defense in the second half with his nimble footwork. The Spaniard’s shot was well saved by Matheus, and although his rebound was blocked, Rodrygo also had an attempt parried by the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Madrid finally secured their well-deserved second goal in the 58th minute. Vazquez provided Vinicius Jr. with a pass in the penalty area, and the Brazilian skillfully maneuvered onto his right foot before unleashing a precise low drive into the bottom corner.
The third goal came just minutes later, as Rodrygo finished a devastating counter-attack with a delicate chip from Vinicius’ pass. The Brazilian duo’s splendid combination left Braga with little hope of a dramatic comeback.
Despite Madrid easing off, no miraculous turnaround occurred for the Portuguese side, as Madrid continued to test the Braga defense. In the end, the hosts comfortably secured three points, marking their qualification from Group C with a fourth consecutive Champions League victory.