Jude Bellingham's sensational run continues with third Champions League goal for Real Madrid
In an intense Champions League encounter, Real Madrid clinched a 2-1 victory against Braga, with Jude Bellingham continuing his goal-scoring streak.
FollowJude Bellingham's remarkable streak continued as he scored his third goal in as many Champions League appearances for Real Madrid, helping the Spanish side secure a 2-1 victory over Braga in Portugal on Tuesday. Real Madrid took the lead when Rodrygo found the net, and England's rising star, Bellingham, extended their lead with a goal just after the hour mark. However, Braga managed to pull one back through Alvaro Djalo. Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, expressed his satisfaction with their overall performance but regretted conceding a goal. This result leaves Real Madrid comfortably at the top of Group C with nine points from three games, three points ahead of Napoli, who won 1-0 against Union Berlin in Germany.
The match started cautiously, and Real Madrid broke the deadlock when Nacho sent Vinicius down the left wing, and the Brazilian squared the ball for Rodrygo to score in the 16th minute. Real Madrid briefly thought they had doubled their lead just before halftime when Rodrygo slotted the ball into an empty net, but Vinicius had strayed offside as Eduardo Camavinga played him in from near the halfway line.
Jude Bellingham made it 2-0 for Real Madrid in the 61st minute when he calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, thanks to Vinicius' assist. This goal marked his 11th in all competitions for Real Madrid since his move from Borussia Dortmund at the start of the season, enhancing his reputation. However, Braga responded swiftly, as Djalo powered a near-post shot past Kepa Arrizabalaga just two minutes later.
Braga introduced the dangerous Bruma, who initially began on the bench, and his presence nearly paid off on the 70th minute when Arrizabalaga had to make a crucial save, tipping a Ricardo Horta drive just wide.
Vinicius believed he had added a goal to his two assists in the 82nd minute, but it was disallowed for offside as Madrid attempted to seal the game. Braga's last hope for an equalizer came through a VAR check for a penalty in the 89th minute, but Real Madrid held on to secure a hard-fought victory.
In the return fixture on November 8, Real Madrid will aim to secure their place in the round of 16 when they host Braga. Rodrygo, who got the nod to start up front in this match, hopes his goal will solidify his place in the starting XI for the upcoming Clasico against Barcelona on Saturday. Speaking about Rodrygo's performance, Vinicius commented to UEFA, "I'd say it was good for his confidence to get a goal - particularly ahead of the Clasico."
