Rodrygo’s Star Performance and Diaz’s Impact Propel Real Madrid to Champions League Success

 

 

The Spain international, standing in for Real Madrid’s star player, found the net and displayed superb play the entire way.

Brahim Diaz has been waiting for his opportunity to make an impression as Jude Bellingham’s skill consistently kept him from a starting position. Bellingham, rested on Wednesday night, took it. The Spaniard scored one goal, was unlucky to have another disallowed, and played the typical manipulative role for the Englishman as Los Blancos easily defeated Braga 3-0.

Lucas Vazquez brought Cristian Borja down in the box, giving the visitors a great chance to grab the lead early on. However, backup goalie Andriy Lunin saved the penalty.

Shortly after, Diaz believed he had opened the score, but his cool finish was disallowed due to a foul during the build-up. The second time he had the ball in the net, though, everything went fine. The offensive midfielder gave his team a well-earned 1-0 lead after scuttling into the box to meet Rodrygo’s cutback.

 

 

In the second half, he should have made it two, but Matheus superbly stopped him from close range. After 58 minutes, Vinicius made no such error, slotting home to cap off a seamless counterattack. Two minutes later, Rodrygo added a third goal to complete an easy victory. He did this by taking Vinicius’ pass in stride and skillfully chipping over Matheus.

The Santiago Bernabeu’s Real Madrid players are rated by GOAL…

 

 

Andriy Lunin (7/10):

Called in for the injured Kepa Arrizabalaga at the last minute. Did well to save the Braga penalty. Will be happy to keep the clean sheet.

Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

Gave up a pen and was fortunate not to be shown a second yellow. Not his best night.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

 

 

 

Covered spaces in behind effectively. Did a lot of running for the ageing Nacho. Won a few tackles.

Nacho (7/10):

Involved heavily throughout. Went about his defensive work well.

Ferland Mendy (7/10):

Handed a rare start. Solid defensively, and contributed going forward. Nearly nicked a goal in the first half, too.

 

 

Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):

 

 

Snappy in tackles and tidy in possession. Survived an injury scare early in the second half.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

 

 

Dangerous down the right channel. Had a few dangerous efforts blocked. A real return to form.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

This was the perfect kind of game for him: low tempo, space to ping it around, not much defensive work to do. He was as controlled as you’d expect.

Brahim Diaz (8/10):

Deployed in the Bellingham role. And there wasn’t much, if any, drop-off. Diaz scored the opener, had one disallowed, and was key in the other two goals. Took his chance with aplomb.

 

 

Rodrygo (7/10):

Produced a fine piece of skill and pass to set up Madrid’s first. Took the third wonderfully. Two in two in the UCL — he now needs to do it domestically.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

A loose touch cost him a clear goalscoring opportunity early on. Was immense thereafter, creating problems with his running and creativity. Set up one and scored one to round off an electric night.

 

 

Luka Modric (7/10):

A masterful cameo, as you’d expect.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Scampered up the right flank with his usual vigour.

Nico Paz (6/10):

Lively on his debut.

Joselu (5/10):

 

 

Got into good areas, made life awkward for defenders.

Fran Garcia (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (8/10):

Made a few changes, and trusted Diaz with Bellingham absent. It mostly worked out, with his side looking relatively comfortable throughout — early penalty notwithstanding. He will be glad to see Rodrygo back among the goals, too. Qualification sorted.