Champions League holders Real Madrid got back on track in Europe with a 5-1 win over Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday to ensure they do not slip out at the first hurdle. Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo Goes scored two goals each, with French star Kylian Mbappe also on target in a merciless display at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have lost three of their opening six games in a worrying start to the competition, and are likely to compete in the extra play-off round in February that is part of the competition’s new format, unless they can clinch eighth place. .
The victory left Los Blancos in 16th place, one point ahead of eighth-placed Bayer Leverkusen, which is the last place for direct qualification to the round of 16.
Brazilian winger Rodrigo scored two goals in the first half to help Real Madrid take control, as Mbappe scored a goal at the beginning of the second half and Vinicius added two goals, raising the team’s tally of goals to 100 goals.
Vinicius told Movistar: “I am very happy after reaching 100 goals with this shirt,” noting that he is close to his Brazilian compatriot Ronaldo Nazario’s record of 104 goals.
“I hope I can continue like this, score a lot of goals, and start an era in this team. This is my dream.”
Defeats to Liverpool, Milan and Lille put Real Madrid under pressure ahead of their final two group stage matches, and their Austrian visitors started strongly, stymieing Los Blancos.
Real Madrid did not attract attention until Rodrigo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, changing the dynamic of the match.
The winger, who has been in fine form in recent weeks with eight goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions, finished off the game in style after Jude Bellingham crossed his way at the back post.
His second goal was even better, as Bellingham created it with a wonderful back-heel shot, and Rodrigo finished the ball off the first time with a powerful shot.
Rodrigo said: “It is very easy to play with Jude, he makes everything easy, the movements he makes, and his second assist were very impressive and I love playing with him.”
“Goals are never a problem.”
Mbappe scored the third goal at the beginning of the second half after he took possession of the ball from Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blasojic and put it into the net, continuing his recent impressive run after a shaky start in Madrid.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric sent a wonderful pass to Vinicius from the left side to score Real Madrid’s fourth goal, and the Brazilian finished with a powerful shot through Blašoic.
Vinicius scored again after Fede Valverde broke through the middle and passed him on a brilliant breakaway, with the striker scoring easily after losing his marker.
Mads Bidstrup fired a volley into the net late on to provide Salzburg with little consolation, as well as continuing a run of goals that Real Madrid would not envy in each of their Champions League matches this season.
Despite the late setback, Madrid’s devastating mission was just what they needed to calm their nerves after their poor start.
“We went through difficult moments that we did not want,” Rodrigo admitted.
He added: “But this win in the Champions League, which we needed, will give us a lot of confidence to continue moving forward now in light of the great challenges that await us.”
Ancelotti said Bellingham came off in the second half with back pain, but said it was not a big problem and was largely happy with his team’s performance.
“Scoring goals will not be a problem at all with these players,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“I will try to improve the team in defence, because this is the key to success, and for me it is what we must improve at.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article