Braga 1-2 Real Madrid: Player ratings for Los Blancos as Rodrygo and Bellingham goals maintain 100% start | UEFA Champions League 2023-24
Real Madrid rode to a 2-1 win over Braga on matchday three of the UEFA Champions League group stage to extend their perfect start to three games.
Rodrygo opened the scoring for Los Blancos after 16 minutes, latching onto a cross from Vinicius Junior from close range for his second goal of the season across competitions.
After the break, Jude Bellingham made it 2-0 for the visitors with a sublime effort from another pass by Vinicius as the Englishman scored in his third straight Champions League match.
Two minutes later, in the 63rd minute, Alvaro Djalo pulled one back for Braga as Simon Banza laid off for him to rifle into the top-right corner. With nine points from a possible nine, Real Madrid are atop Group C, three ahead of Napoli, while Braga are third with three points.
On that note, here are the player ratings for Real Madrid:
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6.5/10
The Real Madrid custodian didn't face too many challenges but was beaten by Alvaro Djalo in the 63rd minute.
Dani Carvajal - 7/10
Full of flair and panache, Carvajal romped up and down the field tirelessly to make his presence felt at both ends. He laid one key pass, made four tackles and won four ground duels.
Antonio Rudiger - 7/10
The German defender held the fort well and kept Braga's forwards at bay for much of the game. He made three clearances and one block, completing 92% of his passes.
Nacho - 5.5/10
Nacho was slightly more shaky in defence and failed to close down Djalo for Braga's goal.
Fran Garcia - 6/10
The Spaniard scampered up the field to link up brilliantly with Vinicius. He completed 96% of his passes and made four clearances but offered no resistence in the build-up to Braga's goal.
Federico Valverde - 7.5/10
The Uruguayan maestro went about his business as usual, pulling strings together for Real Madrid while also covering the back four when needed. He misplaced just one of his 46 passes, completed three long balls, made one clearance and two interceptions.
Eduardo Camavinga - 7/10
The Frenchman was key to circulating the ball for Real Madrid. He completed 61 of his 63 passes and won 12 of his attempted 21 ground duels.
Camavinga stepped up whenever Braga got on the attacking foot, making seven tackles, three clearances and blocked two shots.
Luka Modric - 8/10
The Croatian maestro was back to his playmaking best, oozing class with every touch on the ball. He made seven key passes, completed 99% of his passes and always looked out for his teammates.
Jude Bellingham - 8.5/10
Bellingham's debut season at Real Madrid continues to get better and better as the Englishman scored again.
It was a sweet strike into the bottom-right corner through a stream of red shirts after Vinicius had found him in a bit of space at the edge of the box. He now hasa 11 goals in 12 games across competitions.
Rodrygo - 7.5/10
His goal drought finally ended as the Brazilian tapped home an inch-perfect pass from Vinicius from close range. However, Rodrygo looked subdued, completing only 16 passes in 71 minutes of action.
Vinicius Junior - 8.5/10
The architect of both Madrid goals, Vinicius is just as prolific a creator as he's a scorer. The Brazilian was at his creative best against Braga. His precocious dribbling skills was on full display, but he was caught offside far too often.
Ratings of Real Madrid substitutes against Braga
Aurelien Tchouameni (71' for Rodrygo) - 6/10
The 23-year-old added muscle to Real Madrid's midfield.
Ferland Mendy (75' for Garcia) - 6/10
He made sure everything was kosher in defence in the dying moments.
Lucas Vazquez (89' for Bellingham) - N/A
The Spaniard didn't have much time to make an impact.