Real Madrid vs Braga score, result and highlights as Los Blancos ...

Real Madrid have eased into the Champions League Round of 16 after a dominant 3-0 home win over Braga at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos secured their spot in the knockout stages with minimum fuss after Andriy Lunin kept out Alvaro Djalo's early penalty.

Carlo Ancelotti rotated his starting team, following the 0-0 weekend La Liga draw with Rayo Vallecano, and his changes sparked the win in Madrid.

Brahim Diaz slammed home Rodrygo Goes' pass — for his first Champions League goal for the club — to put Real Madrid in command before the break.

Lucas Vazquez teed up Vinicius Jr for a second on the hour mark before Real Madrid's No.7 slipped in his Brazilian buddy Rodrygo to fire home the clincher.

The Sporting News was following the match live with highlights and analysis available below.

MORE: Watch every UEFA Champions League match in the USA with Paramount+

Real Madrid vs Braga final score

	Full Time	Goal scorers
Real Madrid	3	Diaz, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo
Braga	0	–

Kickoff: 9 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. GMT) Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid, Spain) Referee: Halil Umut Meler (TUR)

Starting lineups:

Real Madrid (4-1-2-1-2, right to left): Lunin (GK) — Vazquez (Carvajal, 78), Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy (Garcia, 85) — Camavinga — Valverde (Paz, 78), Kroos — Diaz (Modric, 78) — Rodrygo (Joselu, 80), Vinicius Jr.

Braga (4-2-3-1, right to left): Matheus (GK) — Gomez (Mendes, 68), Fonte, Niakate, Borja — Carvalho, Moutinho — Bruma (A. Horta, 78), Zalazar (Musrati, 68), Djalo (Banza, 78) — Horta (Ruiz, 68).

Ancelotti's Bellingham benching pays off

Real Madrid fans held their breath when Jude Bellingham went down injured in the opening stages of their draw with Rayo. 

Despite managing to complete 90 minutes on Sunday, his chances of starting tonight were always going to be slim, despite passing a fitness test.

Ancelotti's modus operandi is caution in key moments and that informed his thinking on keeping him on the bench against Braga.

Confident in his team's ability to get the job done with games to spare, Ancelotti can now play the long game with Bellingham and his other key names — and not risk his star man — in an act that other less experienced managers would not go for, due to Bellingham's rising status in Madrid.

Rested Real Madrid ready for La Liga title charge

Ancelotti is one of European football's greatest strategists and he now has the gift of rest periods for the final two Champions League group games.

Real Madrid would need to collapse completely not to seal top spot in Group C and there is enough strength in depth to get that box ticked by December.

Ancelotti has excelled at balancing the expectation surrounding Bellingham and others, whilst also timing the calls for his veteran stars, and he can now use that to his advantage in La Liga.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both still have work to do in the Champions League, but Real Madrid are locked into La Liga until the end of 2023, with six games left to play. They currently sit second, two points behind surprise leaders Girona.

Real Madrid vs Braga highlights, commentary FULL TIME: REAL MADRID 3 BRAGA 0!

Real Madrid are through to the Champions League Round of 16!

No issues on the night for Real Madrid as the Spanish giants book their spot in the Champions League knockout stages.

A first Champions League goal in Madrid for Diaz set the tone, but the Brazilian link up of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo stole the show late on, with Ancelotti expected to rotate his options for the final group games against Napoli and Union Berlin.

???? ¡ABRAZO DE OCTAVOS! ????#UCL pic.twitter.com/8afqWqMVMS

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) November 8, 2023

90 mins: Three minutes added on here as Real Madrid confirm their place in the Round of 16 with two games to spare. Ancelotti's charges will now be solely focused on La Liga matters before the end of 2023.

85 mins: Real Madrid are looking to ease over the line here as Fran Garcia comes on for Ferland Mendy. Bellingham is given the night off by Ancelotti.

80 mins: Joselu is also on for Rodrygo for the closing minutes.

78 mins: Changes from Ancelotti as Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal come on and it's a Real Madrid senior debut for Nico Paz.

74 mins: Vinicius Jr almost trickles an effort over the line but Braga scramble to clear their lines.

68 mins: Changes for Braga as Joe Mendes, Ali Musrati and Abel Ruiz come on and Rodrygo slams an effort just wide!

63 mins: 3-0 REAL MADRID....GAME OVER!

Ruthless stuff from Real Madrid on the break as Vinicius Jr storms away from two Braga tackles to slide Rodrygo in, and his Brazilian compatriot dinks over Matheus!

Real Madrid are on their way to the Round of 16 and it's Samba time in Madrid!

*Watch in USA

RODRYGO, TAKE A BOW ????

Real Madrid are flying into the Round of 16. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/5coUwKjGmg

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 8, 2023

*Watch in Canada

SAMBA TIME ????????

What a linkup between Rodrygo and Vinicius ????

???? Watch the #UCL LIVE on DAZN pic.twitter.com/Rt5UlczTRX

— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) November 8, 2023

60 min: VINI FOR REAL MADRID!

2-0 TO REAL MADRID! AND SURELY THAT IS THEIR PLACE IN ROUND OF 16 SECURED!

Superb pressing from Vazquez, and he completes the counter attack to tee up Vinicius Jr, for Real Madrid's second goal of the night!

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VINI JR. SAID EXCUSE ME ????‍???? pic.twitter.com/cTT6M4PG9i

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 8, 2023

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Vinicius Jr. extends Real Madrid's lead with a calm and collected finish ????

???? Watch the #UCL LIVE on DAZN pic.twitter.com/hD5A9tdxC3

— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) November 8, 2023

*Watch in UK

No Bellingham, no problem! ????

Vini Jr. shows off his quick feet to finish off a brilliant Real Madrid move! ????#UCL pic.twitter.com/u7g4URfmWF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2023

58 min: Braga are still posing a sporadic threat, as Bruma's deflected hit is gathered in by Lunin, and Real Madrid reset. Play quickly switches down to the other end and Matheus makes a HUGE stop from Diaz!

50 min: Nacho gets up highest at a corner but his header is easily saved by Matheus.

46 Min: BACK UNDERWAY!

No changes at half time for either side as Real Madrid look to push on into the Round of 16!

HALF TIME: REAL MADRID 1 BRAGA 0!

Real Madrid are 45 minutes away from securing their spot in the Champions League Round of 16 despite a few scares at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu!

Djalo's missed penalty was the key chance for Braga and Diaz's powerful finish has put Real Madrid in control!

???? A goal to watch over again and again! ???? We're sure that's what @Brahim meant... pic.twitter.com/fAZNLUcBKo

— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) November 8, 2023

42 mins: Space opened up for Braga's Rodrigo Zalazar, but his long range rocket drifts wide. Chance for Real Madrid in response, as Rodrygo tries to squeeze an effort into the bottom corner, but Matheus makes the save.

35 mins: The tempo has dropped slightly since that goal, with Real Madrid enjoying more controlled possession, but Toni Kroos' poor free kick is headed clear by the Braga defence.

30 mins: 1-0 REAL MADRID!!

Los Blancos take the lead in Madrid! A superb run from Rodrygo to break through the Braga defence and his cut back is slammed home for a first Real Madrid Champions League goal for Brahim Diaz!

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No VAR intervention this time! ????

Brahim Díaz strikes for Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/bsuWb0Ea7n

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 8, 2023

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Brahim Diaz scores for Real Madrid and whips out the VAR celebration ????

???? Watch the #UCL LIVE on DAZN pic.twitter.com/wMOnOorI23

— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) November 8, 2023

*Watch in UK

Scores upon his return to the team ✅ Hits the VAR celebration... ????

Brahim Diaz gives Real Madrid the lead! ????#UCL pic.twitter.com/ROJhBFy9NX

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2023

25 mins: This contest is starting to spark into life, as Valverde sees two long range efforts fly off target, and Bruma is denied a penalty!

20 mins: A half chance for Braga as Ricardo Horta's lofted free kick causes problems in the Real Madrid box but the hosts eventually clear.

13 mins: Brahim Diaz taps home Vinicius Jr's pass but the goal is ruled out for a foul on Niakate.

12 mins: A little break in play after a dramatic opening as Sikou Niakate and Federico Valverde collide and need treatment.

6 mins: Andriy Lunin saves from Alvaro Djalo!

Lunin was only moved into the starting line up after an injury to Kepa and he superbly keeps out Djalo from the spot!

Andriy Lunin comes up BIG for Real Madrid to deny Braga from the spot. ???? pic.twitter.com/buaB7Q35uW

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 8, 2023

5 mins: PENALTY TO BRAGA!

Lucas Vazquez is cautioned for a shirt pull on Cristian Borja and after a long delay....it's a penalty to Braga!

KICKOFF: REAL MADRID VS BRAGA!

???? WE have kick-off at the Bernabéu! ???? ▶️ @realmadriden ???? @SCBragaOficial ???? https://t.co/dkyCdXikQr ???? ???????????????????????? ???? ???????????????????????? on @TwitchES: https://t.co/mEpvSvjvC1#UCL pic.twitter.com/82Rpp02ji8

— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) November 8, 2023

5 mins to KO: If Bellingham scores off the bench tonight — he will break a historic Real Madrid record!

❗️ If Jude Bellingham scores today, he will become the first Real Madrid player in European Cup & Champions League history to score in each of his first 4 appearances. @OptaJoe pic.twitter.com/S0rKasaXWH

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 8, 2023

15 mins to KO: Elsewhere in Group C, Union Berlin have picked up their first-ever Champions League point, with a 1-1 draw away at Napoli.

The keeps the race for the likely second spot wide open for Braga, Napoli and Union!

No more words. Just... EISERN UNION!!!! pic.twitter.com/EE77pu7QQP

— 1. FC Union Berlin (English) (@fcunion_en) November 8, 2023

35 mins to KO: With Bellingham arriving as Real Madrid's marquee summer transfer, a deal for Turkish international Arda Guler was lost in the noise, despite his exciting reputation across Europe.

Injury has disrupted his start to life in Madrid but the 18-year-old could make his Real Madrid debut off the bench tonight!

pic.twitter.com/nIz2XAwVGR

— Arda Güler (@10ardaguler) November 5, 2023

1 hour to KO: BRAGA TEAM NEWS IS IN!

The visitors have dropped their starting XI in Madrid with four changes from their first meeting with Los Blancos. Former Premier League veterans Jose Fonte and Joao Moutinho start.

???? | 11 INICIAL - LINE UP

Já há XI! ????#UCL | #RMCFSCB pic.twitter.com/m0HWGpxrPW

— SC Braga (@SCBragaOficial) November 8, 2023

1 hour and 15 mins to KO: Some news away from the on-pitch action tonight with multiple reports claiming Real Madrid have decided against a summer move for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Los Blancos have been tracking the France captain for over two years, after initially missing out on him in 2022, and a deal looked to be edging closer.

Mbappe has so far declined to extend his contract in Paris, beyond its expiry in 2024, but rumours are emerging of a change in Madrid, with Bayern Munich winger Jamal Musiala now an option.

Real Madrid have reportedly ruled out the possibility of signing Kylian Mbappe ????

— GOAL News (@GoalNews) November 8, 2023

1 hour and 45 mins to KO: BELLINGHAM BENCHED!

Ancelotti's pattern of early team news reveals continues tonight and he makes six changes from the weekend draw with Rayo Vallecano with Bellingham named on the bench.

The England star has been struggling with a minor injury, and Ancelotti has opted against any risks over his in form No.10, with qualification almost secure for the home side.

????✅ Our starting XI ???? @SCBragaOficial!#UCL pic.twitter.com/NbsWIcj9KG

— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) November 8, 2023

2 hours to KO: Welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of Real Madrid vs. Braga in Champions League action at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu! The hosts will be aiming for a change in fortunes after their 0-0 La Liga draw at home to Rayo Vallecano last weekend. 

A draw in Madrid leaves Ancelotti's charges two points behind leaders Girona as they failed to score in a game for the first time this season.

22 - Real Madrid attempted 22 shots in this match against Rayo Vallecano. Only against Cádiz in December 2021 (36) have Real Madrid attempted more in a LaLiga match without scoring under Carlo Ancelotti. Mired. pic.twitter.com/kq8TlDKHuz

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 5, 2023

Real Madrid vs Braga lineups

Bellingham passed a late fitness test, but he is not fully fit, and could be used from the bench in the second period, if needed.

Fellow midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos are still out but Ferland Mendy could return.

Real Madrid starting lineup (4-1-2-1-2): Lunin (GK) — Vazquez, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy — Camavinga — Valverde, Kroos — Diaz — Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.

Real Madrid subs (9): Pinero (GK), Carvajal, Alaba, Bellingham, Modric, Joselu, Garcia, Guler, Paz.

Braga head coach Artur Jorge has a fully fit squad to pick from for this game with veteran Portugal midfielder Moutinho coming in to start.

Braga starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Matheus (GK) — Gomez, Fonte, Niakate, Borja — Carvalho, Moutinho — Bruma, Zalazar, Djalo — Horta.

Braga subs (12): Horniceck (GK), Musrati, Banza, Castro, A. Horta, Marin, Mendes, Oliveira, Pizzi, Lopez, Ruiz, Saatci.

Real Madrid vs Braga live stream, TV channel

MORE: Watch every UEFA Champions League match in the USA with Paramount+

Here's how to watch the clash in some of the major territories around the world, with kickoff at 8pm GMT (UK time).

	TV channel	Streaming
USA	—	Paramount+, ViX
UK	TNT Sports 4	discovery+
Australia	—	Stan Sport
Canada	—	DAZN
India	Sony Ten 3	Sony LIV, JioTV
New Zealand	—	beIN Sports Connect
Malaysia	—	beIN Sports Connect
Singapore	—	beIN Sports Connect
Hong Kong	beIN Sports 5	beIN Sports Connect

Every UEFA Champions League Match. 4K UHD. Exclusive & Ad-free on Stan Sport. The Home of UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid vs Braga betting odds & lines

	MAD win	Draw	BRA win	Both teams to score Y / N	Over / Under 2.5 goals
DraftKings (USA)	-425	+600	+1000	-125 / +105	-275 / +240