Record fourteen-time winner Real Madrid sailed into the last 16 of the Champions League with a comfortable win over SC Braga. The win on Wednesday took them to the League’s elimination stage for the 27th season in a row.
Goals from Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz, and Rodrygo gave Real Madrid their 4th win from 4 games in Group C. This takes the Spanish giants 5 ahead of Napoli. The Italian champions could only manage a one-goal draw at home against Union Berlin, who are at the bottom of the group.
SC Braga stays in third place with 3 points. This keeps them still in the running for a place in the next round. The club from Portugal has never gone past the first round in earlier editions. It is making its 3rd appearance in the Champions League and the first in eleven seasons.
Real Madrid Almost Conceded The First Goal In The Opening Minutes Off A Penalty
Real Madrid was without midfielder Jude Bellingham, out this week after injuring his shoulder. Kepa too was out after an injury sustained during practice and was replaced by Lunin. He saved a penalty shot taken by Braga in the sixth minute when the game was tied goalless. He also made another great save in extra time off a header.
Real Madrid took control after the saved penalty. Diaz started the scoring for the home team following an assist from Rodrygo in the 27th minute. Vinicius added to the score following a clever move into the area in the 58th minute. Rodrygo finally sealed it in the 61st minute lobbing it into the net over the goalkeeper off a pass by Vinicius.
Both of Braga’s earlier campaigns had failed to advance to the knockout stages. This year it started its campaign in the third qualifying round. Union Berlin ended its incredible losing streak with an unlikely 1-1 draw against Serie A winner Napoli. Napoli remains in the second spot behind Real Madrid in Group C.