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.
Arsenal’s defensive dominance in the Premier League has a new driving force behind it, according…
Barcelona have confirmed that they will not fuel controversies or speculation about a possible return…
AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has opened up on his decision to represent England on…
Title contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen set the pace in the first practice session…
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed the speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah, admitting that the Egypt…
The conversation around the future leadership of the Super Eagles just got louder—and a lot…