Real Madrid delivered a statement performance on Wednesday night, asserting their readiness to defend their UEFA Champions League title with a commanding 5-1 victory over Red Bull Salzburg. After struggling with inconsistent performances earlier this season, including three losses out of their first six matches, Madrid's resurgence was marked by standout showings from their star players.
The match at Santiago Bernabeu saw Real Madrid take charge early, with Rodrygo opening the scoring with a stunning angled volley just 23 minutes in. Jude Bellingham's clever setup allowed Rodrygo to net the opener, signaling the resumption of Madrid's European dominance. He doubled the lead shortly before halftime, demonstrating Madrid's potent attacking prowess with a beautifully executed strike after combining with Bellingham on another swift attack.
Once the second half began, the momentum stayed firmly with the Spanish giants. Kylian Mbappe, who had been under scrutiny following some disappointing performances since joining Madrid, capitalized on a fumbled play by Salzburg’s goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, tapping home Madrid's third goal just three minutes after the break. Vinicius Jr. showcased his exceptional form, netting the fourth goal after cutting inside the box and blasting past Blaswich—making it seven goals for him across six Champions League matches.
The rout was completed when Vinicius scored his second of the night, finishing off another well-crafted move initiated by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. While Mads Bidstrup's volley late for Salzburg provided little consolation, it punctuated the Austrian club's disappointing campaign this season. They finished with just one win out of seven matches, leading to their exit from the tournament.
With this victory, Real Madrid not only solidified their position for at least the playoff spots but also set their eyes on automatic qualification for the last 16. Currently, they sit just one point away from the coveted positions, gearing up for their final league phase match against Brest next week.
Despite the pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti due to earlier defeats—including a 3-1 loss to AC Milan at home—Madrid's overwhelming performance against Salzburg relieved some immediate concerns. The team's star-studded frontline is beginning to click, with Rodrygo and Vinicius proving themselves as reliable backbones for the club.
Yet, the question remains—can they maintain this form as they move closer to the knockout stages? With the draw for the Champions League knockout phase playoffs scheduled for January 31 at the House of European Football, teams finishing between ninth and 24th will discover their fates. This new format introduces pressure, as seeded teams from ninth to 16th will battle for their chance to progress, leaving lower-ranked teams to fight for survival.
Memorably, Liverpool stands out as they have qualified automatically for the last 16, following significant wins throughout the tournament. The pressure is on for several other heavyweights as the league phase wraps up. Teams finishing from 25th to 36th will be eliminated altogether, marking the final knockout route for this season.
Real Madrid's commanding display indicates their intent to succeed, proving they still command respect on the European stage. With some of the best talents showcasing their skills, the club appears on track to challenge for another illustrious title, leaving fans excited about the upcoming matches.
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