BRAGA, Portugal (AP) — Led by Jude Bellingham yet again, Real Madrid defeated Braga 2-1 on Tuesday to keep a perfect record in the Champions League and move closer to securing a spot in the knockout stage.
Bellingham scored his 11th goal in 12 matches since joining Madrid to help the 14-time European champion earn the away victory and strengthen its lead in Group C. Madrid has six points from three matches. Braga stayed with three points.
Rodrygo also scored for Madrid, which is trying to make it to the knockout rounds for the 28th consecutive time. Braga has never advanced past the group stage. The Portuguese team is making its third Champions League appearance and first in 11 seasons.
Rodrygo put Madrid ahead in the 16th minute with a shot from inside the area after a run by Vinícius Júnior down the left flank, and Bellingham added to the lead in the 61st with a low shot into the far corner after another assist by Vinícius.
Spaniard Álvaro Djaló pulled the hosts closer in the 63rd with a shot into the top corner.
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