Real Madrid got another three points in the UEFA Champions League group stage, as they won the match against Braga at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.
Los Blancos went 2-0 ahead by the hour mark, with goals from Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham, but Braga were quick to respond as Djalo scored a goal for the hosts two minutes after Bellingham’s goal to set up a nervy finish to the game.
Real Madrid are now in a pole position to advance from their group but still have three matches remaining in the group stage.
The ratings given below indicate how the different Real Madrid players fared in this match:
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6.0
Did not get much into the spotlight, as Braga rarely got the ball to him. Still, could have done better on the goal conceded, but came up with two good saves to make up for it.
Dani Carvajal: 7.0
A game of two halves for Carvajal who remained in the attacking phase in the first half but had to perform more defensively in the second half. Was satisfactory in both these roles, but could have been more impactful in the final third.
Toni Rudiger: 7.0
Rudiger once again put on a solid display, showing good pace to keep the Madrid goal out of danger and put in some important blocks as well.
Nacho Fernandez: 6.0
Returned to action after serving his suspension for a tackle on Portu. Was tidy in defence for the most part, but made a few mistakes leading to chances for Braga. Also failed to close down Djalo when he scored the goal.
Fran Garcia: 5.5
Went up regularly to support Vinicius Junior, but his defensive game was not the most encouraging. Got dragged out instead of keeping his position in the center, resulting in the goal from Djalo. Was not the most reassuring when having the ball at his feet.
Eduardo Camavinga: 8.0
Had a good game playing at the base of the midfield. Constantly put in tackles, completing seven of them, to put out Braga attacks in the midfield, and also helped in transitions with his quick dribbling and pace. Put Vinicius in good positions with several balls over the top when Braga were pushing high.
Luka Modric: 7.5
Put his stamp on the midfield with meaningful offensive and defensive contributions. Had a game-high number of key passes (7), and helped Real Madrid dictate the rhythm of the game.
Federico Valverde: 7.0
Helped Carvajal a lot with the defensive work, especially in the later part of the game, and also contributed offensively with his usual energy and pace. Also put in some decent crosses, but there was no one in the box to get on the end of these.
Jude Bellingham: 8.0
Scored a peach of a goal on the hour mark after a good pass from Vinicius Junior, which takes his tally to eleven in this season. Combined well with the Brazilian throughout the night, and also helped out Fran Garcia defensively.
Vinicius Junior: 8.5
Untiring throughout the game and kept Braga’s defense at bay with his pace and wizardry. Created both the Madrid goals, and got one of his own, but this was ruled out for offside.
Rodrygo Goes: 6.5
Finally broke his duck with a goal in the Champions League as he scored from close range in the first half. Was relatively quiet after this goal, but hopefully the mental block is behind him, and he can start scoring at his usual pace once again.
