Madrid run riot as Rodrygo and Vini Jr. bag braces

Real Madrid comfortably beat Salzburg to record their fourth win in the first round of the Champions League and, with one game to go, they have sealed their place in at least the two-legged play-off for a spot in the last 16. Rodrygo and Vini Jr, both bagged braces, for four of the five Madrid goals, which means the team still has a chance of finishing in the top eight of the standings. Vini Jr. surpassed his 100th goal as a Madridista and Mbappé also found the net to make it four goals in five games. Meanwhile, Jacobo Ramón made his debut.

Salzburg made a brave start at the Bernabéu and almost took the lead when Gloukh's shot on 11 minutes missed the target by inches. Madrid were soon in front when Vini Jr. curled in a cross and Bellingham controlled the ball for the onrushing Rodrygo, who fired Real Madrid ahead with a right-footed finish from inside the area on 23’. The Brazilian has now found the back of the net in four of the last five games. Four minutes later, Ancelotti’s side had the chance to extend their lead, but Vini Jr’s strike from inside the area sailed just over.

Rodrygo’s brace
Real Madrid were rampant and, on the half-hour mark, the game's second goal arrived. It was once again courtesy of Rodrygo. The goal was a work of art that began with a superb back-heeled assist from Bellingham and an exquisite finish from the Brazilian with a curling strike into the far corner. The link-up between the two had produced two goals before half-time.

The Madridistas promptly increased their lead after the interval. Mbappé pressured Blaswich in goal after a pass from his teammate Blank and robbed him of the ball before slotting it into the empty net with ease in the 48th minute. The Frenchman has scored five goals in the last four games. And seven minutes later came the fourth goal for Ancelotti's men, courtesy of Vini Jr, after a wonderful individual move that saw him beat two opponents and finish with a sublime finish past the stranded goalkeeper. This was the Brazilian's 100th goal for Real Madrid.

Goal feast
The Whites' assault did not end there. Vini Jr, like his compatriot Rodrygo in the first half, grabbed his second in the 77th minute after a neat dummy to get past a defender with his left foot and finish with his right. Bidstrup struck a consolation goal for the visitors in the 85th minute. The victory means Real Madrid have now sealed qualification for the two-legged play-off for the last 16 and will be looking to finish in the last eight on the final day of the competition.