Real Madrid suffer in Braga ahead of El Clasico

Real Madrid arrived in Braga to face one of the easiest matches in the group. The problem is that the Champions League is unpredictable and you can either score or lose against Sheriff Tiraspol. What was clear in Portugal is that Real Madrid tend to win in Europe, even if things are going well. There is a mentality instilled by Ancelotti in recent years that, no matter how bad things go, you have to win, you have to fight, you have to keep going.

Fran García and Carvajal alongside Rüdiger and Nacho formed the defence in a game that rewarded Camavinga after several games at left-back. The Frenchman was tasked with helping Modric and not feeling overwhelmed by the Croatian's presence. Vinicius and Rodrygo found in Bellingham a kind of 9 in a team that is going to have problems with that goal-scoring figure as the season progresses. 

Braga moved to the rhythm of Zalazar as Benito Floro's Queso Mecánico moved to the rhythm of his father in Albacete's glory years in the first division. Other Spaniards such as Djaló and Abel Ruíz put the mechanisms of coach Arthur Jorge to the test to prove they deserved to be in the Champions League and will get where they can with Madrid and Napoli's permission.

Rodrygo broke a run that had lasted since the first league game in August against Athletic Bilbao. The Brazilian ended up thanking Ancelotti for believing in him during these months and motivating him when the goal was not coming. The short squad and the Italian's usual immobility were what kept Rodrygo in the eleven instead of having other options after Vinicius' injury. 

Real Madrid went into the half-time break dominant and comfortable, but everything changed in the second half despite Bellingham's goal. A superb pass into the net from the Englishman to certify that he is Europe's signing of the year. That goal came in the 60th minute, Ancelotti had in mind to change him and start the recovery before the Clásico, but Djaló's goal two minutes later and Braga's dominance made him stay on the pitch until the 89th minute. Ancelotti is not open to the entrance of players like Ceballos or Brahim and that causes others to accumulate too many minutes. Bellingham finished the game with discomfort, although he does not seem to be in danger against Barça. Tchouaméni, Lucas and Mendy were substituted at the end of the game and almost as a matter of necessity.  

Real Madrid suffered to win. The players said so after the game. So did Ancelotti, who knows that this suffering against a team like Braga could turn into an upset at Montjuic against Barcelona. Resolving the Champions League will be Real Madrid's first big patch. Being in the last 16 will make it easier to face the months of January and February when the Copa del Rey makes way for the substitutes.  

The referee was the protagonist. That's the way Real Madrid want it in recent matches. In this case for a millimetric offside in a goal disallowed to Vinicius. UEFA's technology, which is not used in Spain, meant that criticism was much reduced, but doubts about the team are now part of football in Spain and Europe. 

Real Madrid go into the Clasico top of La Liga and with the ability to put Barca away while awaiting the fate of Atletico Madrid, who look set to challenge for the title this season.