Real Madrid 5 – 1 RB Salzburg
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid thrashed RB Salzburg in a dominant display, climbing significantly in the Champions League standings.
It took a bit of time for Madrid to find their rhythm, but once they did, they overwhelmed Salzburg with relentless attacking football. Thanks to a stunning performance from Rodrygo, the match was firmly under Madrid’s control by halftime. The second half turned into a goal fest, as Real celebrated a commanding victory at Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night.
Rodrygo led the charge with a brace, Vinícius Júnior added two more, and Kylian Mbappé also got on the scoresheet.
While Real Madrid’s hopes of directly qualifying for the Round of 16 had already dimmed, they needed not only a win but a significant goal margin to keep their slim chances alive. The 15-time European champions delivered exactly that, rising six places to 16th with 12 points from seven matches. Tied with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, they still have a mountain to climb in the final round.
Madrid’s next match is against Brest, a relatively low-profile French team currently sitting 13th with 13 points.
The Match:
Salzburg started the game stronger, troubling Madrid’s defense with counterattacks. In the 10th minute, midfielder Oscar Gloukh came close to putting Salzburg ahead but narrowly missed the far post.
Madrid struggled to create chances in the first 20 minutes, with Salzburg registering three attempts to their none. However, the hosts struck first in the 23rd minute. Kylian Mbappé’s midfield pass found Vinícius, who sent a precise cross into the box. Jude Bellingham couldn’t control the ball, but Rodrygo latched onto it and fired a clinical shot into the far corner.
Madrid almost doubled their lead four minutes later, but Rodrygo’s shot was blocked, and Vinícius skied the rebound from close range.
Rodrygo and Bellingham’s chemistry shone brightly in the 34th minute, as a clever backheel assist from Bellingham set up Rodrygo for his second goal, a powerful shot into the far post.
Second Half:
Salzburg’s goalkeeper Yanis made a costly error right after the break. A poor back pass from defender Terzic left him scrambling, allowing Mbappé to intercept and tap the ball into an empty net.
Vinícius added a spectacular goal in the 55th minute, skillfully weaving past two defenders after receiving Luka Modrić’s pass before firing into the net.
Ancelotti substituted Rodrygo and Mbappé in the 72nd minute, introducing Brahim Díaz and Endrick. Just two minutes later, Díaz tested the keeper with a rocket of a shot, but Yanis managed to push it out for a corner.
Vinícius sealed his brace in the 77th minute after sprinting into the box, receiving Federico Valverde’s pass, and slotting home with ease.
Salzburg managed to score a consolation goal in the 85th minute when Mads drilled a powerful shot just outside the six-yard box.
For Salzburg, this loss marks the end of their hopes of advancing, with only one win from seven matches. Madrid, meanwhile, keeps their faint Round of 16 chances alive.
