Bellingham scores again to lead Real Madrid to 2-1 win over Braga in Champions League

Tue, Oct 24, 2023
Soccer News (AP)

Bellingham scores again to lead Real Madrid to 2-1 win over Braga in Champions League

BRAGA, Portugal (AP) - Led by Jude Bellingham yet again, Real Madrid defeated Braga 2-1 on Tuesday to keep a perfect record in the Champions League and move closer to securing a spot in the knockout stage.

Bellingham scored his 11th goal in 12 matches since joining Madrid to help the 14-time European champion earn the away victory and strengthen its lead in Group C. Madrid has nine points from three matches, three points more than Napoli, which won 1-0 at winless Union Berlin. Braga stayed in third place with three points.

Rodrygo also scored for Madrid, which is trying to make it to the knockout rounds for the 28th consecutive time. Braga has never advanced past the group stage. The Portuguese team is making its third Champions League appearance and first in 11 seasons.

Rodrygo put Madrid ahead in the 16th minute with a shot from inside the area after a run by Vinicius Junior down the left flank, and Bellingham added to the lead in the 61st with a low shot into the far corner after another assist by Vinicius.

"It's normal to suffer a little in away matches," Vinicius said. "But we played well and scored the goals with the chances we created. And could've scored even more. We have to keep this run going after having won the first three matches."

Spaniard Alvaro Djalo pulled the hosts closer in the 63rd with a shot into the top corner.

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