In the Spanish capital, the English midfielder continued his incredible start, and his attacking partner picked up two assists.

Vinicius Jr. contributed two assists, while Jude Bellingham scored again as Real Madrid defeated Braga to win a hard-fought away Champions League match. After taking a 2-0 lead, Los Blancos had to weather a comeback from the home team to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Vinicius provided the opening goal for Madrid, which was opened by Rodrygo. Rodrygo scored his first goal since early August as the winger beat his defender and poked a ball to the near post. After thirty minutes, the two came dangerously close to combining, but Rodrygo’s tap-in found the net, and he was flagged offside.

Early in the second half, Bellingham nearly doubled Madrid’s lead, but Matheus was stung by a half volley. Nevertheless, he made it the second time around, putting the ball into the bottom corner from beyond the box following a pass from Vinicius.

Less than five minutes later, the home team answered, with Alvaro Djalo completing a skillfully coordinated move down the right wing. Despite a mistake by Kepa Arrizabalaga that nearly cost them a second, Madrid was largely composed as they won their third straight Champions League game.

The Real Madrid players at Estadio Municipal de Braga are ranked by GOAL.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):

Probably shouldn’t have been beaten at his near post for the goal. Almost gave up a second after a blunder. Madrid never really look secure with him in goal.

Dani Carvajal (7/10):

Played very high up the pitch in the first half, looked comfortable defending more in the second. A full-throttle 90 minutes.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

His recovery pace was vital on a few occasions, and he produced some important blocks, too.

Nacho (5/10):

Did some tidy defensive work, but he failed to close down goalscorer Djalo when Braga pulled one back, and his side was easily exploited. Seems certain to lose his place when Alaba returns.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Scampered forward on the left, and linked up well with Vinicius, but he was out of position on the Braga goal. His defensive issues are concerning.

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

A good kind of frantic at the base of midfield. Won the ball a lot, and kept it moving. Solid when moved to the left in the final minutes, too.

Luka Modric (7/10):

Tidy on the ball, and a pleasure to watch in tight areas. He may have lost a step athletically, but he remains as classy as ever.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Not involved too much on the ball, but vital defensively and covered ground out of possession.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Struggled to get involved in the early goings, but linked up well with the front two as the first half wore on. Took his goal wonderfully after the break as he was impactful even when short of his spell-binding best.

Attack

Rodrygo (7/10):

On the scoresheet for the first time since August 11, though he really couldn’t miss from close range. Had a second ruled out, and faded after the break. Scores at a better rate in the Champions League than La Liga.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Set up the first goal with a wonderful piece of skill. Put a lofted effort wide shortly after. A constant threat on the wing, and quite comfortably the best player on the pitch.

Subs & Manager

Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

Calmed things down at the base of midfield after being introduced.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Brought on for defensive cover at left-back.

Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

Made the decision to rest Kroos and Tchouameni, presumably with one eye on the Clasico this weekend. Madrid controlled the game for an hour, but allowed the hosts back into it. He will take the three points, even if the unsteady end to the game is cause for concern.