Real Madrid, thanks to goals from Rodrygo and the inevitable Jude Bellingham, won in Braga (2-1) a third victory in a row in the Champions League, not without having to work hard to preserve the score, at the end of the meeting, Tuesday.
With nine points, the Madrilenians consolidate their domination in Group C and are logically approaching the round of 16, maintaining a three-point lead over Naples (2nd) who won at Union Berlin (1-0).
After a quarter of an hour at a slow trot, Real hit the mark on their first opportunity. Alerted by a long opening from Nacho, Vinicius Jr, faster, played against Serdar Saatci, before crossing towards Rodrygo, who victoriously regained the ball. His first goal this season in C1.
During this first period, the Brazilian duo once again stood out for their understanding when the second offered a second goal on a plate to the first. But an offside was rightly called (35th).
Vinicius, who had previously found goalkeeper Magalhaes on two attempts on target (25th, 28th), once again became a decisive passer in the second half, to the benefit of Jude Bellingham, who placed his unstoppable shot in the window (61st).
The young English international, aged 20, who wears number 5 in homage to his idol Zinédine Zidane, could have achieved a beautiful double if the opposing goalkeeper had not repelled his superb half-volley from the left, after a control of chest a few moments earlier. But with now 3 goals in as many Champions League matches, or 11 in 12 matches in all competitions, he confirms his sparkling form.
So, for a long time, the Madrid victory looked like a walk in the park. But Braga, which distinguished itself in 2011 by reaching the final of the Europa League, had an immediate start after this break goal, reducing the score by Alvaro Djalo, at the conclusion of a great collective action (63rd).
Invigorated, the Portuguese club then attacked the Madrid cages and it was very close for Ricardo Horta to equalize, his low shot having been diverted for a corner by Kepa Arrizabalaga with a hint of luck.
While Vinicius Jr, served by Eduardo Camavinga not always radiant in midfield, was denied a goal for offside, then lacked lucidity on another counter-attack, Braga once again proved dangerous, ultimately in vain.
And Madrid can take a breather, thus ensuring the essentials, before turning to the clasico against their runner-up Barcelona, in La Liga on Saturday.
