Jude Bellingham was rested, yet Real Madrid nevertheless advanced to the Champions League knockout round. 

Despite the England midfielder’s three goals in his three European outings, Madrid defeated Braga with three goals in his absence.

Two guys who rarely receive a look in the early half of the game. It wasn’t until Kepa Arrizabalaga complained of a muscle ailment during the warm-up that Andriy Lunin realized he was beginning.

Almost immediately after Lucas Vazquez hauled back Cristian Borja in the area, he was called for a penalty. To maintain the score at 0-0, the Ukrainian goalie made the correct decision in save Alvaro Djalo.

Compared to Lunin, Brahim Diaz received a little more advance warning that he would be playing. Bellingham, a former Manchester City player, started at the top of Real Madrid’s midfield diamond because there was no need to jeopardize his healing left shoulder. He took full use of the occasion.

Real Madrid have qualified for the Champions League last 16 in style at their home ground

Real Madrid will now look to get back to the top of LaLiga against Valencia on Saturday

After just 12 minutes, he had the ball in the net, but Vinicius’ foul during the build-up caused it to be disallowed. 

On the 27th minute, Brahim scored his second goal of the season after Ferland Mendy placed Rodrygo in behind Braga’s defense. He was unstoppable and gave Real Madrid the lead. He even celebrated on the VAR screen after his initial attempt was ruled out.

The Brazilians at Real Madrid took over in the second half. It was almost an hour before Vinicius made it two. Fede Valverde squared the ball to Lucas Vazquez, and Vinicius scored his second Champions League goal of the year in the corner.

And it was three and over in the span of a single glance. This time, Rodrygo initiated and completed the move, but Vinicius received the assist.

Although Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga worked together to regain possession, Rodrygo was the one who deliberately moved the ball forward, switched passes with Vinicius, and skillfully clipped it over Matheus.

Rodrygo immediately gave Carlo Ancelotti a hug. Even this season, when the 22-year-old has faced criticism for his performances and his meager two La Liga goals, the Italian coach has consistently stood by him.

After the victory, he added, “I wasn’t in a good moment, but he never stopped encouraging me.”

Braga made the final attempt at goal, but Lunin had the final say that evening, stopping from Abel Ruiz.

Brahim Diaz celebrates with his Real Madrid teammates after scoring a goal in their 3-0 win

Lucas Vasquez, Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde celebrate after another goal in the game

At the conclusion, Bellingham was on the field to congratulate Vinicius and Diaz. For the entire ninety minutes, he had not been required. Madrid may look forward to the knockout stage if they win their group with just one point remaining. 

On the touchline, Thibaut Courtois was also seen having a good time. He intends to return in April. Once again, the Madrid Champions League train is in motion, and if they make it to the further stages, he and fellow long-term absentee Eder Militao will be eager to board.

Bellingham will return much earlier than that, on Saturday when Real Madrid takes on Valencia in an attempt to reclaim the top spot in La Liga.