Real Madrid triumphs 3-0 over Brest, with standout performances from Bellingham and Rodrygo, highlighting their prowess on the field in this thrilling encounter.
Introduction:
The Stade de Roudourou was a sea of black and white as Brest fans waved their Brittany flags in unison, rallying behind their team for one of the biggest nights in the club’s history. With a place in the knockout phase already secured, Brest approached this match with freedom and confidence, ready to challenge the reigning champions, Real Madrid.
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A Night of High Hopes and High Stakes
Right from the whistle, Brest showed their attacking intent. Pereira Lage, playing out of position at left-back, tested Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a well-struck free-kick aimed for the top corner. Courtois responded with a diving save, tipping the ball over the crossbar to deny an early shock for the visitors.
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Rodrygo Breaks the Deadlock
Despite Brest’s spirited start, Real Madrid soon found their rhythm. Rodrygo, who had been Madrid’s standout player in their previous European fixture, once again proved to be the difference-maker. In the 27th minute, the Brazilian forward weaved through Brest’s defense with dazzling footwork before unleashing a precise low strike that bounced off the far post and into the net, giving Madrid a 1-0 lead. See also: Lamine Yamal Shines

Moments before he scores, Rodrygo had already forced Brest’s goalkeeper, Marco Bizot, to pull off an excellent save from a close-range header. He persisted and was in no error to make no mistake with the next opportunity and see Madrid head to halftime with a slender but very deserved lead. See also: La Liga Leaders Madrid Beaten 1-0 by Espanyol
Brest, to their credit, refused to be overwhelmed. Their supporters responded with chants of ‘Olé’ for every successful pass, creating an electrifying atmosphere that momentarily unsettled Madrid. The home side came close to equalizing through Baldé, whose spectacular volley flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Second-Half Brilliance from Madrid
As the second half began, neither coach made any immediate substitutions. However, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was spotted deep in discussion with Kylian Mbappé as they emerged from the tunnel, hoping to inspire a bigger contribution from the French star.

Bellingham extends the lead
The second goal arrived in the 63rd minute through Jude Bellingham. It was an immaculately executed counterattack, orchestrated by the English midfielder himself. Bellingham played a pivotal role in transitioning the ball up the field before moving into position for an easy tap-in from Lucas Vázquez’s low cross. The stadium fell into stunned silence, save for the cheers of Madrid’s traveling supporters.

A two-goal cushion proved enough for Real Madrid to dictate possession and see out the remainder of the match, frustrating any Brest hope of mounting a comeback. Tactical switch by Brest: Lees-Melou came on in midfield. His return after a long layoff with an injury did not help the course of the match against the relentless Spanish giants.

Rodrygo Seals the Win
The last vestiges of hope for Brest to revive the game were lost when, in the 78th minute, Rodrygo netted his second goal of the game. Mbappé, still waiting for his moment, shot with great power at the Bizot, who reacted just in time to hold it. The rebound fell easily to Rodrygo, who instinctively slotted it home to seal his brace and win the game for Madrid 3-0.

With that strike, Rodrygo notched consecutive Champions League braces to entrench himself firmly as one of Madrid’s most vital attacking arms. Meanwhile, Brest saw their proud run of home matches unbeaten in this competition end in a game where effort and ambition were in evidence, though clinical finishing was sadly missing.

Strong finish to the group stage
In their last group-stage game, Real Madrid celebrated another third consecutive win of the Champions League, bringing to a good close the phase of groups. Having Rodrygo in superlative form and Bellingham on fine-tuning performance, Madrid heads to the phase of knockout.
For Brest, despite the bitter taste of defeat, there is much to be proud of. Their performance against one of Europe’s elite was a testament to their resilience and ability to compete on the grand stage. As they enter the knockout phase, they will look to build on this experience and continue their European journey.