Real Madrid continued their impressive form with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Stade Brestois in their final UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase match. Despite their dominant display, the win wasn’t enough to secure automatic qualification to the last 16, meaning the reigning champions will enter the knockout play-offs as a seeded team.
This result marks Madrid’s fifth consecutive win across all competitions, underlining their resurgence after a slow start in the league phase. However, their early struggles in the competition ultimately cost them a place in the top eight, forcing them to take the longer route to the knockout rounds.
Match Delayed but Madrid Control the Game Early
The highly anticipated clash in Brest was delayed due to thick fog, creating an eerie atmosphere at Stade Francis-Le Blé. Once the match got underway, Real Madrid quickly established their dominance, controlling possession and pressing forward with intent.
Kylian Mbappé, who has a strong record against Brest, was Madrid’s biggest attacking threat early on. Having netted nine goals in 10 previous encounters with the French side, he had two golden opportunities inside the first 15 minutes but fired high and wide on both occasions.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men continued to apply pressure, and Lucas Vázquez provided a perfect cross for Rodrygo, who seemed destined to score. However, Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot produced an outstanding save to keep the Brazilian at bay.
Rodrygo Breaks the Deadlock as Madrid Take Control
Just a minute after Bizot’s heroics, Real Madrid finally found the breakthrough. Rodrygo, who has been in fine form, struck a precise low drive that clipped the far post before finding the net, putting the visitors ahead.
Brest, to their credit, refused to sit back. Mama Baldé came close to leveling the score just before halftime, unleashing a powerful volley that whistled just over the crossbar. Despite their determination, Madrid’s experience and superior quality kept them in control of the contest.
Bellingham Doubles Madrid’s Lead as Brest’s Equalizer is Ruled Out
Brest came out stronger in the second half, showing intent to get back into the game. However, Bizot was once again called into action, this time denying Mbappé after a well-worked Madrid attack.
For a moment, it seemed that Brest had equalized when Ludovic Ajorque’s shot deflected off Aurélien Tchouaméni and into the bottom corner. The home fans erupted in celebration, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a marginal offside.
2. This well worked our team goal by Real Madrid vs Brest.
Finished off by Jude Bellingham for 2-nil
— Peter Not Drury (@PeterNotDrury) January 30, 2025
As has often been the case in the Champions League, Real Madrid capitalized on Brest’s misfortune almost immediately. Jude Bellingham, who has been Madrid’s standout performer this season, played a key role in the second goal. The English midfielder initiated a fluid passing move and was in the right position to tap home from close range after being picked out by Vázquez, making it 2-0.
Rodrygo Seals Madrid’s Victory
With Brest now desperate to find a way back into the match, their hopes were completely extinguished when Rodrygo struck again to complete his brace. The Brazilian forward was quickest to react to a rebound after Bizot had denied Mbappé, slotting home Madrid’s third goal of the night.
Brest’s debut Champions League campaign has been a memorable one, but their fate was sealed with this defeat. They finished outside the top eight and will now enter the knockout play-offs as an unseeded team. They also became the first team in UCL history to lose to both Real Madrid and Barcelona in the same season since Leeds United in the 2000/01 campaign.
Real Madrid’s Champions League Journey Continues
Despite securing a comfortable victory, Real Madrid’s slow start in the league phase proved costly. Finishing just outside the top eight means they will have to go through the play-offs to reach the Round of 16.
Madrid’s recent performances suggest they are hitting top form at the right time. They have now scored 20 goals in their last five matches, showing they remain one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Europe.
As a seeded team in the play-offs, Madrid will face an unseeded opponent, which should give them a favorable path to the next round. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will need to maintain their momentum to compete for another Champions League title.
Match Stats – Brest vs Real Madrid
Final Score: Brest 0-3 Real Madrid
Goalscorers:
Rodrygo (Madrid) – 29’, 82’
Jude Bellingham (Madrid) – 61’
Shots: Brest 6 – Real Madrid 18
Possession: Brest 36% – Real Madrid 64%
Pass Accuracy: Brest 80% – Real Madrid 91%
Corners: Brest 2 – Real Madrid 9
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
With their place in the Champions League play-offs secured, Real Madrid will now turn their focus to the upcoming knockout draw. Their five-game winning streak suggests they are in top form, but they will need to continue improving if they want to challenge for another European title.
Brest, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. Entering the play-offs as an unseeded team means they are likely to face a strong opponent in their bid to progress further in the competition.
The Champions League knockout-stage draw will soon reveal Madrid’s next challenge as they aim to continue their pursuit of European glory.
READ NEXT: