Real Madrid will have to navigate the Champions League play-offs after finishing outside the top eight, despite a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brest in their final group-stage match. A Rodrygo double and a strike from Jude Bellingham secured the win for the reigning champions, but results elsewhere meant Carlo Ancelotti’s side must contest an extra two-legged tie to defend their European crown.
Brest, making their debut in the Champions League, will also enter the knock-out play-offs after finishing lower in the standings.
The match in Guingamp saw Madrid take control after a slow start. Rodrygo opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a brilliant individual effort, cutting inside a defender on his right foot before switching onto his left and curling a low shot off the far post. The Brazilian now has 10 goals in as many Champions League appearances this season.
Madrid faced a scare when Ludovic Ajorque turned home a shot that deflected off Aurelin Tchouameni, but the goal was ruled narrowly offside following a VAR review.
The reigning champions sealed the win in the second half. Jude Bellingham made it 2-0 in the 57th minute, finishing from Lucas Vazquez’s cutback, before Rodrygo added a third by converting the rebound after a save from Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot.
With the play-offs looming, Real Madrid will now prepare to face either Manchester City or Celtic in a high-stakes two-legged tie to reach the round of 16.
