Always Winning, Real Madrid Qualifies for the Last 16 of the Champions League

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo celebrates a goal in the match against Braga in the Champions League (Twitter @realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid won consistently and recorded a perfect record in qualifying for Group C in the Champions League. When they hosted Braga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Thursday, November 9 early morning WIB, Madrid had no trouble winning 3-0 to qualify for the last 16 in Europe's highest caste competition.

Madrid is too powerful over its opponents so they always win during the preliminary round. From four matches, Madrid has won 12 points so they are immediately guaranteed to qualify even though they have two more matches remaining.

Madrid could not catch up with Madrid's points, who only had three points. However, Braga, who is in third place, still has the opportunity to win one more ticket because they are only four points behind Napoli, who is in second place.

Napoli dropped points after drawing 1- against Union Braga in the previous match.

In that match, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti chose to reshuffle the squad. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered an injury, giving Andriy Lunin the opportunity to stand between the sticks.

Mainstay midfielder Jude Bellingham was rested but he remains on the bench. His position was replaced by Brahim Diaz who occupied the position as second striker behind the Brazilian duo, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric did not start so the midfield was filled with Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos.

Even though they didn't field the best squad, Madrid was still too strong for Braga. However, the visiting team from Portugal was surprising and had the opportunity to take the lead when the match had only been running for six minutes.

Because defender Lucas Vazquez fouled Cristian Borja in the penalty box. The referee, who was surrounded by Madrid players, gave Vazquez a yellow card and awarded Braga a penalty.

However, Alvaro Djalo, who took the execution, failed to carry out his duties. Lunin blocked the kick from the spot. A great start for the Ukrainian goalkeeper.

Next, Madrid took control of the game. They had superior possession of the ball so they were finally able to break into the opponent's goal. Los Blancos' first goal was produced by Diaz who completed an assist from Rodrygo in the 27th minute.

After that goal, Madrid actually continued to pressure their opponents and created a number of opportunities. However, their attacks always failed and the score remained 1-0 until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Madrid did not reduce the tempo of the game. They continued to play offensively which finally provided an additional goal in the 58th minute.

This time, Vazquez made amends by providing an assist to Vinicius who then converted it into a goal.

Winning 2-0 made Madrid more comfortable and enjoyed the match. Moreover, Rodrygo then established Los Merengues' superiority.

Rodrygo's goal following a pass from Vinicius came just three minutes later. The score changed to 3-0.

Ancelotti then made a substitution. Modric and Dani Carvajal enter the field. However, no goals were scored. Madrid also closed the match with a three-goal win without reply which took them through to the knockout round.