Flawless Champions League campaign continues

Real Madrid have extended their perfect start to this season's Champions League. Our team picked up their third win on the bounce on their visit to Braga to remain top of Group C, following the clash that saw them take the lead with their first shot on goal. It was a case of 'made in Brazil' as Vini Jr. laid on the pass with 16 minutes gone for Rodrygo to fire home. Bellingham, who has scored in every European clash so far, extended the lead on 61 minutes from another Vini Jr. assist, before Djaló made it 1-2 moments later.

The match got underway at a frightening pace and it wasn't long before both teams began to carve out chances. Madrid would take the lead with their first meaningful opportunity, though, as Vini Jr. picked up the ball on the left flank with quarter of an hour played. He left Serdar in his wake with a sublime piece of skill, before laying it on a plate for Rodrygo to turn home from inside the six-yard box. The hosts reacted swiftly and could have levelled when Mendes' cross-shot took a nick on its way towards goal and nearly caught Kepa by surprise on 31’. Six minutes later, Real Madrid had another chance to double their lead. Vini Jr. beat Matheus to a loose ball and with the goalkeeper in no-man's land, he tried a lovely chip from outside the box which narrowly failed to find the target.

Our team were again the first to create danger as the players emerged from the dressing rooms for the second half. Fran García pulled the ball back from the by-line with 50 minutes played and Bellingham took the ball down on his chest before unleashing a fierce left-footed effort that forced Matheus to turn behind for a corner. Eight minutes on, Camavinga's long-range strike ended up in the keeper's gloves. It was all Ancelotti's team now, and with 61 on the clock, the second goal did finally arrive. Vini Jr. was the creator once more, this time for Bellingham, who drove into the box, controlled the ball and tucked home a neat finish. The Englishman has scored in all three Champions League so far and has 11 goals this season 8 in LaLiga.

The group leaders' celebrations were cut short though, as Braga went straight up the other end to cut the deficit two minutes later. A slick team move ended with Djaló finding the back of the net. At 1-2, there was still a long way to against opposition who had found renewed energy. They did indeed come close to a leveller on 70’ but Horta's strike from near the penalty spot was well saved by Kepa. Real Madrid managed their lead well from that point until the end, even having the ball in the net on 83´, but Vini Jr. was denied for offside following a VAR check.