Player rankings for Real Madrid vs. Braga: Jude Bellingham is not dead! Los Blancos cruise into the Champions League knockout stages under the direction of Brahim Diaz

 Player rankings for Real Madrid vs. Braga: Jude Bellingham is not dead! Los Blancos cruise into the Champions League knockout stages under the direction of Brahim Diaz

The Spain international, standing in for Real Madrid's star player, found the goal and displayed superb play the whole way.

Brahim Diaz has been waiting for his opportunity to make an impression as Jude Bellingham's skill consistently kept him from a starting position. Bellingham, rested on Wednesday night, took it. The Spaniard scored one goal, was unlucky to have another disallowed, and played the typical manipulative role for the Englishman as Los Blancos easily defeated Braga 3-0.

Lucas Vazquez brought Cristian Borja down in the box, giving the visitors a great chance to grab the lead early on. However, backup goalie Andriy Lunin saved the penalty.

Shortly after, Diaz believed he had opened the score, but his cool finish was disallowed due to a foul during the build-up. The second time he got the ball in the goal, however, everything went OK. The offensive midfielder gave his team a well-earned 1-0 lead after scuttling into the area to meet Rodrygo's cutback.

In the second half, he could have made it two, but Matheus superbly stopped him from close range. After 58 minutes, Vinicius made no such error, slotting home to cap off a seamless counterattack. Two minutes later, Rodrygo scored a third goal to complete an easy victory. He did this by taking Vinicius' ball in stride and skillfully chipping over Matheus.

GOAL evaluates the Santiago Bernabeu players of Real Madrid.

Andrei Lunin, goalkeeper and defense (7/10):

called in at the last minute to replace the injured Kepa Arrizabalaga. did a good job stopping the Braga penalty. I'll be glad to maintain the spotless record.

Lucas Vazquez (grade: 5):

gave away a pen, and fortunately, no second yellow was shown. Not his finest evening.

Juan Rudiger (7 out of 10):

covered areas efficiently in the back. ran a great deal for the aging Nacho. gained several tackles.

Following (7/10):

deeply involved all along. handled his defensive task with well.

Ferland Mendy: 7 out of 10

A uncommon start was given. strong on defense and made a contribution up forward. Also almost stole a goal in the first half.

Eduardo Camavinga, midfield (6/10):

agile while tackling and neat when in control. avoided serious injuries early in the second half.

7/10 Federico Valverde:

Perilous along the appropriate pathway. had many risky attempts stopped. a true comeback to form.

7/10 for Toni Kroos:

For him, this kind of game was ideal: it had a slow pace, plenty of room to maneuver, and few defensive duties. He behaved just as one could anticipate.

Diaz Brahim (8/10):

Applied to the Bellingham position. Furthermore, there was little to no drop-off. Diaz was involved in both of the goals, having scored the first and having one disallowed. took his opportunity with style.

Rodrygo's attack (7/10):

produced a brilliant move and ball to provide the first goal for Madrid. mastered the third with ease. He has to accomplish it domestically now that he is two for two in the UCL.

Vito Jr. (8/10):

He missed a clear goal scoring chance early on due to a careless touch. was enormous after that, causing issues with his sprinting and imagination. To cap off an exciting evening, set up one and score one.

Luka Modric, manager & substitutes (7/10):

As expected, it was a fantastic cameo.

Carvajal Dani (6/10):

Scampered with his customary vigor along the right wing.

Nico Paz (7/10):

vibrant at his debut.

Joselu (5):

got into favorable spots and caused difficulties for the defence.

N/A Fran Garcia:

Too little time to matter.

8/10 for Carlo Ancelotti:

Made a few adjustments and put my confidence in Diaz while Bellingham was away. The most of it went well, with his team seeming to be at ease all along despite the early penalty. He will also be happy to see Rodrygo back in the mix for goals. Sorted by qualification.