With a 2-1 victory away at Braga, Real Madrid kept their spotless record intact in the Champions League group stage.

After a back-and-forth first half, Madrid went up on a Rodrygo tap-in, and then Carlo Ancelotti’s team extended their lead midway through the second period on a Jude Bellingham strike from the edge of the box.

Almost soon, Alvaro Djalo equalized with a goal of his own, but Madrid was able to hang on for a 2-1 victory, giving them their third consecutive European triumph.

What happened during the game

Braga started the game with confidence, maintaining possession well and looking for passes over Madrid’s high defensive line, but the visitors eventually seized the lead.

When Vinicius Junior sent a cross flying across the six-yard box, Rodrygo was only too eager to make sure he got the credit for what may have been an own goal.

Bellingham, who is usually the one putting the ball in the back of the net, came to his team’s rescue in the first half by diving in front of a volley from Al-Musrati to keep his team ahead.

As Braga drove for an equalizer, Madrid relied on the heroics of Antonio Rudiger, while Vinicius threatened on the other end but had difficulties evading the offside trap. On his third and final late dash, the Brazilian set up Jude Bellingham for an easy tap-in just before the flag was raised.

Madrid searched for the ball over the top frequently as their confidence built, but they were unable to capitalize on their increased dominance before halftime.

Bellingham had an early second-half shot blocked, but he finally scored on the hour mark when he neatly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

However, Braga answered in fewer than two minutes. Djalo, a Madrid native and avid Barcelona supporter, snuck into the area and scored a goal with a close-range shot.

Ricardo Horta had a golden opportunity to tie the game for Braga, but his low shot was stopped by Kepa Arrizabalaga and went agonizingly wide of the post.

Vinicius sprinted onto a long ball and tucked it home for Real Madrid with eight minutes remaining, but the offside flag was raised and video review showed that the Brazilian had gone too early on yet another run.

The visitors were on the ropes as time ran short, but they held on for a crucial three points that put them in the driver’s seat to advance.

Real Madrid player ratings (4-1-2-1-2)

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—6/10 Very little first-half involvement despite Braga’s early push. Got away with a weak Horta save.

Dani Carvajal (6/10) played everywhere except right-back when Madrid started. Regularly played middle and attacked.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10) led by example defensively, blocking a huge shot in the first half to maintain his team ahead.

Nacho Fernandez, CB, 6/10 Shaky compared to Rudiger, but got away with it after Madrid took over.

Fran Garcia, LB, 6/10 – Improved in defense as Madrid weathered an early storm, then switched off for Djalo’s goal.

DM Eduardo Camavinga (7/10). Excellent base midfielder. Madrid was under pressure and always looked to be in the proper place to stop danger, therefore needed to be turned on early.

Modric (8/10): CM Modric turned back the years with a brilliant playmaking performance. He relentlessly sought the next hazardous pass. Second-half role was more advanced.

6/10 CM: Federico Valverde—energetic but calm. Played defensively to let Carvajal blast forward.

AM: Jude Bellingham (7/10). Spent a lot of time on the left side of the midfield trio and was quiet, although he made several dangerous moves to get involved and took his goal nicely. Was tweaking his groin late.

ST: Vinicius Junior – 8/10 – Despite his odd run timing, Vinicius was a terror to play against. Edge player that wants to dash at his defender. Both Madrid goals were set up.

ST: Rodrygo – 6/10 – Worked hard to score but wasn’t as involved as Vinicius. Despite being needed centrally, seemed eager to play wide.

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Substitutes

SUB: Aurelien Tchouameni (71′ for Rodrygo) – 6/10

SUB: Ferland Mendy (75′ for Garcia) – 6/10

SUB: Lucas Vazquez (90′ for Bellingham) – N/A

Subs not used: Diego Pineiro (GK), Andriy Lunin (GK), David Alaba, Toni Kroos, Brahim Diaz

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Manager

Carlo Ancelotti – 7/10 – Very intelligent with his substitutions. Every move was made to counter a specific threat from Braga.