Real Madrid-Salzburg (5-1): Mbappé, Rodrygo and Vinicius are blazing, Madrid secures its place in the play-offs

The start of title holders Real Madrid’s European campaign was far from ideal. After the evening of this Wednesday, everything is much better in the Spanish capital. Facing RB Salzburg (5-1), the club with 15 Champions League titles achieved great success and secured its place, at least, in the play-offs in this new formula. He will travel to Brest, Wednesday January 29, to achieve a third success in the competition and hope for a direct place in the round of 16, although this scenario is very unlikely.

For calculations of all kinds, see you next week. In the meantime, Carlo Ancelotti can be satisfied with the performance of his team, starting with the attacking quartet. In great danger since the rout against FC Barcelona (2-5) in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, the Kylian Mbappé – Vinicius – Rodrygo – Jude Bellingham association showed against the Austrians that it could perform. Adversity brings us into perspective but this Real Madrid put on its finest attire to pierce a naive Salzburg defense (34th in the ranking out of 36 teams).

Mbappé cunning scorer

The first banners were planted by Rodrygo after a rather discreet start to the meeting at the White House. The man in good form at the moment in Madrid (7 goals in 8 matches, all competitions) scored twice (23rd, 34th). Including a real gem from the right foot after a masterful pass from Jude Bellingham with the heel. After three defeats in the first five Champions League matches, Madrid had to catch up. He had done it on the pitch of Atalanta (3-2), he continued at the Bernabeu, improving his goal difference, so crucial for the final ranking.

With Kylian Mbappé, first, as a ball stealer. Pressing the Salzburg goalkeeper, the Frenchman scored the 3rd goal of the evening after returning from the locker room (48th). His only real opportunity of the meeting. The fourth and fifth came from the feet, the right (55th) and the left (77th), of Vinicius Junior. With 12 points on the clock, Real Madrid is breathing and can therefore approach its trip to Brittany with the assurance of continuing its journey. The Bretons, defeated against Shakhtar Donetsk (2-0) earlier in the evening, are impatiently awaiting this gala poster to conclude this first phase.