Real Madrid miss out on UCL top-eight spot despite victory over Brest

Real Madrid must navigate the Champions League play-offs after failing to secure a top-eight finish, despite a commanding 3-0 win against Brest in France.

A brace from Rodrygo and a Jude Bellingham strike ensured a comfortable victory for the reigning champions, who needed a win to keep hopes of automatic qualification alive. However, results elsewhere sealed their fate, forcing them into a two-legged tie against either Manchester City or Celtic to continue their title defense.

Brest, making their Champions League debut, also advanced to the knock-out play-offs.

After a slow start, Madrid found their rhythm and opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Rodrygo. The Brazilian, now with 10 goals in as many matches, cut inside a defender before firing a low shot in off the far post.

Madrid had a scare when Ludovic Ajorque’s deflected effort appeared to find the net, but a VAR review ruled it narrowly offside.

Bellingham doubled the lead in the 57th minute, finishing from Lucas Vazquez’s cutback, while Rodrygo completed the scoring by turning in a rebound from Marco Bizot’s save.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side now faces a crucial play-off round in their quest to defend the Champions League title.