Real Madrid 5-1 RB Salzburg: Match review | OneFootball

Real Madrid continued with their winning form as the reigning European champions thrashed RB Salzburg in match day 7 of the UEFA Champions League.

Ferland Mendy and Luka Modric were in the lineup instead of what was expected, along with Fede Valverde as right back.

Salzburg looked like they were here to pose a challenge after danger man Oscar Gloukh’s shot – courtesy of a counterattack – was just wide of Thibaut Courtois’ goal.

On the other hand, Real Madrid also looked fluent but had not really found an opening yet or formed a dangerous attack.

But it soon happened – Dani Ceballos began the attack, as he passed it to Kylian Mbappe and the Frenchman forward to Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian put in a cross which took a touch off Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo continued his good form, opening the scoring on the night.

From that moment on, Los Blancos gained the upper hand and it seemed like they would not be losing momentum anytime soon.

10 minutes after the opening goal, Jude and Rodrygo were involved in a one-two and the Englishman set up Rodrygo with a sumptuous backheel as the 24-year old winger curled his shot into the bottom right corner.

After a decent start to the opening half, the first 45 minutes ended poorly for the Austrian side and were staring at a great challenge in the second half.

Rodrygo was involved again as he passed to Mbappe and as the Frenchman thought he had overhit the ball. However, the goalkeeper lost his footing after getting the ball, with the Frenchman winning possession only a few steps from an open net and scoring his 3rd goal of the Champions League this season.

The game looked done and dusted in just 50 minutes as Salzburg did not seem to threaten the goal much and looked nervous on the ball.

It was Vinicius’ time to join the party as this Brazilian latched on to Luka Modric’s through ball and scored in typical Vini style.

Soon after, Jude, Ceballos, Rodrygo and Mbappe were subbed off in favour of David Alaba, Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz and Endrick.

Rodrygo, Mbappe and Jude seemed to have done their job and deserved to see off the final 20 minutes of the game from the bench.

Vinicius continued playing with confidence and, this time was set up by Fede Valverde as the Brazilian subtly dribbled it past the defence to create space and nicely tuck it home.

The perfect night was kind of spoiled as  Courtois was unable to stop a thunderous shot from Mads Bidstrup to end up in the back of the net – which happened to be his first goal since August.

But the result ended up being what Real Madrid wanted in the first place as Carlo Ancelotti believed that the players have formed a perfect combination in attack, but also acknowledged that this would be even better if his side can defend better.

Rodrygo let the world know that along with him, Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappe have a good relationship and people just want to create something against them.

For now the Merengues sit on 16th in the Champions League table and look all but set to play the playoffs. Even though the probability of qualifying for the top 8 is minimal, Los Blancos will look to secure a win in their last group stage fixture and hope other results go their way.