Real Madrid put on an attacking clinic at the Santiago Bernabéu, routing Red Bull Salzburg 5-1 in their penultimate Champions League group stage match. The dynamic Brazilian duo of Rodrygo and Vinícius Jr. each scored twice while Kylian Mbappé added another goal in the dominant performance.
Fast Start for Madrid
Despite some early pressure from the visitors, Madrid soon took control. Rodrygo opened the scoring on 15 minutes, finishing off a pass from Vinícius after a Jude Bellingham cutback. The 22-year-old Brazilian added a sublime second goal 19 minutes later:
A gorgeous exchange with Bellingham, who set up the Brazilian with a neat back-heel, saw him sweep a superb shot in from the top corner of the area.
Mbappé, Vinícius Extend Lead
Early in the second half, a shocking error by Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich gifted Kylian Mbappé Madrid’s third goal. The Frenchman pounced on Blaswich’s misplaced pass, rolling the ball into an empty net to effectively seal the result.
Vinícius soon made it 4-0, cutting in from the left and smashing home. The majestic Brazilian added a fifth in the 75th minute for his 100th Real Madrid goal, assisted by Brahim Díaz and Fede Valverde.
Improved Qualifying Prospects
The victory, coupled with other results, vaulted Madrid from 22nd to 14th in the expanded Champions League table. They now have a strong chance to qualify directly for the playoff round and avoid the new intermediate stage.
- One point in their final match against Brest would clinch a playoff spot
- A win could see them finish in the top 8 and bypass the playoff altogether
It was a satisfying turnaround for Carlo Ancelotti’s men after a slow start to the competition. Their famed attacking trident of Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé appears to be rounding into form at an ideal time. Neutralizing that explosive trio will be the top priority for any opponent Madrid faces as they aim to defend their European crown.
