Real Madrid delivered a spectacular performance at the Santiago Bernabeu, thrashing RB Salzburg 5-1 to secure back-to-back Champions League victories and reignite their hopes of finishing in the top 8.
Despite a shaky start, Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed their class and efficiency. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Rodrygo Goes capitalised on a deflected cross from Vinicius Junior, guided into his path by Jude Bellingham. Rodrygo made no mistake, slotting the ball past Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich.
Just 10 minutes later, Rodrygo doubled his tally with a sensational curling strike from outside the box. Bellingham once again provided the assist with a deft flick, leaving the Brazilian to curl a perfect shot into the far corner, giving Blaswich no chance.
The second half began disastrously for Salzburg as Kylian Mbappe pounced on a goalkeeper error, stealing the ball inside the six-yard box and tapping into an empty net. The Frenchman’s relentless form continued to haunt opposition defenses.
Vinicius Junior added Madrid’s fourth in the 60th minute with a dazzling solo run, weaving past multiple defenders before calmly finishing into the far corner. The Brazilian star, recently crowned FIFA’s Best Player for 2024, reminded the crowd why he holds that title.
The fifth goal came in the 77th minute as Vinicius completed his brace. Federico Valverde’s surging run and precise pass allowed the winger to coolly slot the ball past Blaswich, sealing a dominant evening for Los Blancos.
Salzburg managed a late consolation through Mats Bidstrup, but it was too little, too late on a miserable night for the Austrian side.
The emphatic victory sees Real Madrid climb to 16th in the league phase standings, with a crucial game against Brest next week. A win there could propel them into the coveted top 8, keeping their Champions League dreams very much alive.
For Madridistas, this performance was a statement: the kings of Europe are not ready to bow out just yet.
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