Real Madrid beat Braga 3-0 at home to clinch Champions League last-16 place

MADRID – Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted that his team will not take their foot off the gas, despite advancing to the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Braga to maintain their 100 per cent record.

Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo were on target for the Spanish giants, who sealed progress from Group C even without rested top scorer Jude Bellingham.

Brazilian wingers Vinicius and Rodrygo have been criticised for their lack of goals this season and both responded with classy finishes to help send their team through after Brahim opened the scoring.

Real have a perfect four wins, leading the group on 12 points ahead of Napoli, second on seven after a 1-1 draw with bottom team Union Berlin (one). Braga have three points.

The Spanish side have now reached the knockout phase in 26 consecutive editions of the tournament.

“It tells me that Real Madrid have done better than others in this competition, because getting through the group is not always that simple,” Ancelotti said.

“We are very happy to reach the last 16, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to switch off in the last two games because for us, all Champions League games are there to show our best level in.”

Real got an early scare when Lucas Vazquez held Braga’s Cristian Borja inside the box to concede a penalty in the fourth minute.

However, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, a last-minute addition to Real’s starting XI due to Kepa Arrizabalaga’s injury while warming up, palmed away a weak effort by Alvaro Djalo from the spot.

Real then took control of the game. Brahim opened the scoring with a first-time strike from close range in the 27th minute, assisted by Rodrygo.

He could have extended their lead in the 55th minute, but goalkeeper Matheus made two consecutive reflex saves to deny the Spanish midfielder’s double effort from close range.

Vinicius then scored in the 58th minute when he collected a low cross to strike home a tidy finish from inside the box.

Three minutes later, he started a counter-attack and played in his compatriot Rodrygo, who netted a brilliant chip over the goalkeeper to secure the result.

“The truth is that I am delighted. It was a perfect game, three goals, we didn’t concede... I’m happy for the goal, the assist and, of course, for the win and the qualification, which was the most important thing,” man-of-the-match Rodrygo told Movistar Plus.

“We have a lot of quality in our squad that is so deep. If we have a good day, it’s difficult to prevent us from scoring. Today went very well and we hope it continues like this for the next games.” AFP, REUTERS