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Vinícius and Rodrygo put on a stellar performance as Real Madrid triumph over Salzburg in the Champions League. Read all about their shining moments in this thrilling match.
Real Madrid delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Red Bull Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes each scoring twice, and Kylian Mbappé adding to the tally. The win keeps Carlo Ancelotti’s side in contention for direct qualification to the Champions League Round of 16, though they remain in a precarious position in the new league-phase format.
After a shaky start to the campaign, including defeats to Liverpool, AC Milan, and Lille, Madrid's place in the competition’s next stage is far from guaranteed. They currently sit 16th in the standings, a point behind Bayer Leverkusen in eighth, which secures automatic progression. Failure to climb into the top eight would force Los Blancos into a grueling playoff round in February.
Rodrygo Sparks Madrid to Life
Salzburg began the game energetically, putting Madrid under pressure in the opening exchanges. Despite their struggles in recent matches, Madrid held firm and slowly worked their way into the contest.
Rodrygo broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from Jude Bellingham, which the Brazilian winger tucked away at the back post. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Madrid’s favor.
The Brazilian doubled his tally with a moment of brilliance before halftime. Bellingham, showcasing his creativity, delivered a stunning backheel pass that Rodrygo curled into the net with precision. It was another reminder of Rodrygo’s stellar form, as he has now scored 10 goals in his last 10 matches across all competitions.
"It's so easy to play with Jude," said Rodrygo post-match. "He makes everything simple with his movements and vision. His second assist was incredible, and I love playing alongside him."
Mbappé and Vinícius Seal the Rout
Shortly after the break, Kylian Mbappé continued his resurgence with a goal born of sheer opportunism. The French forward capitalized on a mistake by Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, dispossessing him and slotting home to make it 3-0.
Mbappé’s early struggles at Madrid this season have given way to improved performances, and this latest strike was a testament to his growing confidence and integration into Ancelotti’s system.
Vinícius Júnior, who has been pivotal to Madrid’s attack since his arrival, added his own flair to the proceedings. Luka Modrić delivered a perfect through ball down the left flank, allowing Vinícius to unleash a powerful drive across the goalkeeper for Madrid’s fourth.
The Brazilian wasn’t finished. In the 85th minute, a lightning-fast counterattack saw Federico Valverde storm through the midfield before slipping a pass to Vinícius, who calmly slotted his second goal of the night. This brace brought Vinícius to 100 career goals for Real Madrid, a milestone he celebrated post-match.
"I'm very happy to reach 100 goals in this shirt," he told Movistar. "It’s an honor to be so close to Ronaldo Nazário’s tally of 104. My dream is to mark an era in this team."
Defensive Woes Persist
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities were again exposed when Mads Bidstrup volleyed in a late consolation goal for Salzburg. It marked the seventh consecutive Champions League game in which Madrid have conceded, an area of concern for Ancelotti.
“Scoring goals will never be a problem with these players,” Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference. “But we need to improve defensively. That’s the key to sustained success.”
The Italian manager also addressed Jude Bellingham’s substitution in the second half, citing minor back discomfort but reassuring fans it was nothing serious.
A Confidence Boost
Madrid’s convincing display was a welcome relief following their earlier struggles in the group stage. The team’s ability to rediscover their attacking rhythm will be crucial as they face a tough schedule ahead.
Rodrygo acknowledged the importance of the win: “We’ve been through some tough moments we didn’t want, but this victory gives us a lot of confidence to tackle the big challenges ahead.”
The result also underscores the impact of Madrid’s attacking trio—Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé—all of whom were instrumental in dismantling Salzburg’s defense. Their synergy, supported by the creative genius of Bellingham and the experience of Modrić, offers Madrid a potent formula as they aim to climb the standings.
Eyes on the Top Eight
With one group game remaining, Real Madrid’s fate in the Champions League hangs in the balance. To avoid the newly introduced February playoff round, they must secure a top-eight finish. While this dominant victory over Salzburg is a step in the right direction, the team knows further improvement is essential.
As Vinícius continues to cement his legacy and Rodrygo and Mbappé hit their stride, Madrid’s attack looks capable of carrying the team through critical moments. However, defensive lapses remain a concern for Ancelotti, who must find solutions to ensure his side can compete at the highest level.
The win at the Bernabéu was not just a triumph—it was a statement. But with challenges looming, Real Madrid will need consistency, focus, and resilience to navigate their way to Champions League glory.
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