Real Madrid Triumphs Over Brest in Champions League Clash

BREST, France — Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 3-0 victory against Brest in a Champions League group stage match on Tuesday, despite the win not being enough to guarantee direct qualification to the knockout stages. The match, played at Brest’s home stadium, saw standout performances from Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois, who helped the Spanish giants salvage pride after a turbulent campaign.

Real Madrid entered the match needing a near-miracle to secure direct advancement to the round of 16. Despite their dominance in the game, the team’s earlier struggles in the tournament left them dependent on other results. Carlo Ancelotti‘s side, the reigning Champions League champions, had faced unexpected setbacks in the group stage, including a surprising loss at Anfield and a disappointing draw at the Bernabéu.

Rodrygo emerged as the hero of the night, scoring twice in the second half. His first goal came in the 58th minute, a clinical finish following a corner kick. Just minutes later, he doubled the lead with a stunning solo effort, cutting inside from the right and firing a left-footed shot that ricocheted off the post before finding the net. “Rodrygo was exceptional tonight,” Ancelotti said in a post-match interview. “He showed why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in football.”

Brest, despite being outclassed, had moments of promise. Striker Steve Mounié posed a constant threat, using his height advantage to challenge Real Madrid’s defense. However, Courtois was in top form, making several crucial saves, including a spectacular dive to deny a long-range effort from Romain Faivre in the 63rd minute.

The match also highlighted the tactical adjustments made by Ancelotti, who deployed Aurélien Tchouaméni as a center-back. The move raised eyebrows, but Tchouaméni held his own against Brest’s physical forwards. “It wasn’t easy, but I trusted the coach’s decision,” Tchouaméni said. “We knew we had to win, and we did our job.”

Real Madrid’s third goal came in the 78th minute, courtesy of Jude Bellingham, who capitalized on a swift counterattack orchestrated by Luka Modrić. The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder showcased his enduring class, threading a perfect pass to Bellingham, who slotted the ball home with ease.

Despite the victory, Real Madrid’s fate in the tournament remains uncertain. The team will now face a playoff round to secure a spot in the round of 16. “We wanted to qualify directly, but sometimes things don’t go as planned,” Ancelotti admitted. “We’ll regroup and focus on the next challenge.”

For Brest, the loss marked the end of their Champions League journey, but the French side earned respect for their spirited performance. “We gave it our all,” said Brest coach Éric Roy. “Playing against a team like Real Madrid is always a learning experience.”