Despite a strong performance from Rodrygo and Bellingham, Real Madrid's win against Brest in the Champions League was not enough to advance directly to the last 16. Instead, they will have to play in a two-legged playoffs to secure their spot. The team has faced struggles in the new, expanded Champions League format but ended the group stage with three consecutive wins.
Real Madrid's hopes of securing an automatic spot in the Champions League knockout stages were dashed despite impressive showings from Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham.
Despite a convincing 3-1 victory over Brest in their final group stage match, the Spanish giants finished second in their group behind Manchester City. This outcome means that they must now navigate a two-legged playoff to advance to the last 16.
Background
Real Madrid has struggled to adapt to the new, expanded Champions League format, which features more group stage matches and a more competitive knockout round. The team faced early setbacks in the competition, losing to Shakhtar Donetsk and drawing against Inter Milan.
However, the acquisition of Bellingham in the summer transfer window has provided a major boost to Madrid's midfield. The English prodigy has formed a formidable partnership with Rodrygo, who has emerged as one of the team's most promising young talents.
Rodrygo and Bellingham Shine
In the match against Brest, Rodrygo opened the scoring with a stunning solo effort. He then assisted Bellingham for Madrid's second goal, showcasing the pair's exceptional chemistry. Bellingham sealed the victory with a goal of his own in the second half.
Despite their individual brilliance, Madrid's overall performance was far from perfect. The team struggled defensively at times, and they missed several clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Playoff Path
Madrid will now face one of the runners-up from the Europa League knockout playoffs in the Champions League playoffs. The draw for the playoffs will be held on November 7, with the first legs of the matches scheduled for February 14/15 and the second legs taking place on February 21/22.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Real Madrid fail to advance directly to the last 16?
Real Madrid finished second in their group behind Manchester City, meaning they must now qualify for the knockout stages through the playoffs.
2. Who is Jude Bellingham?
Jude Bellingham is an 18-year-old English midfielder who joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023. He is considered one of the most promising young midfielders in the world.
3. What is the Champions League playoff format?
The Champions League playoffs involve eight teams: the eight runners-up from the group stage. The teams are drawn into pairs, and the winner of each pair advances to the last 16.
4. Who will Madrid face in the playoffs?
Madrid's opponent in the playoffs will be drawn from the following teams: FC Porto, Benfica, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan, Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, and Club Brugge.
5. When will the Champions League playoffs take place?
The first legs of the Champions League playoffs will be held on February 14/15, and the second legs will take place on February 21/22.
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