Real Madrid Thrash Salzburg 5-1 to Secure Champions League Knockout Spot

Real Madrid secured a convincing 5-1 win over Red Bull Salzburg to book their spot in the Champions League knockout stages, with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo scoring braces.

Real Madrid put their stuttering UEFA Champions League campaign behind them, securing qualification to the knockout stages with a resounding 5-1 victory over Red Bull Salzburg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The win marked a return to form for the reigning European champions, who had struggled in their league phase thus far.

The opening 20 minutes saw Salzburg dominate proceedings, with Real Madrid failing to have a touch in the opposition's box. Thomas Letsch's side came close to taking the lead when Oscar Gloukh ended a rapid counter-attack with a strike that narrowly missed Thibaut Courtois' post. Despite Salzburg's impressive display, Real Madrid's ruthless efficiency in front of goal would ultimately prove decisive.

Real Madrid took the lead with their first shot on target, showcasing their clinical finishing. Vinicius Junior's wayward pass to Jude Bellingham was diverted into the path of Rodrygo, who side-footed a tidy finish into the back of the net from a wide angle. This marked the turning point in the match, as Real Madrid's confidence grew, and they began to assert their dominance.

Rodrygo doubled his tally just 10 minutes later, scoring a spectacular goal. He met a Bellingham backheel with an unstoppable curling effort from the corner of the penalty area, which rifled past Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. This stunning strike highlighted Rodrygo's impressive skill and sealed Real Madrid's control over the match.

Real Madrid score 5! 🥵#UCL pic.twitter.com/3j4wZYhflg

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 22, 2025

Real Madrid's third goal was a gift from Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, who attempted to dribble around Kylian Mbappe just three minutes into the second half. Mbappe dispossessed Blaswich and tapped the ball into an empty net, further extending Real Madrid's lead.

Vinicius Junior continued Real Madrid's scoring spree, crashing in a fourth goal with the team's fourth shot on target. The Brazilian received a pinpoint through ball from Luka Modric and buried his shot beyond Blaswich. This goal showcased Vinicius Junior's clinical finishing and Real Madrid's attacking prowess.

Bellingham's backheel flick 😮‍💨
Barcola's nutmeg, pace and pull-back 😍

Two outrageous assists 🥵🥵#UCLassists | @Lays_football pic.twitter.com/Aecxiurz40

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 22, 2025

With 15 minutes remaining, Blaswich made his first save of the match, tipping over a fierce Brahim Diaz shot. However, Real Madrid's dominance continued, and they soon scored again. Vinicius Junior dummyed past a weary defender and slotted home, capping off a crisp passing sequence that started with Thibaut Courtois.

In the end, Salzburg managed to score a consolation goal, courtesy of Mads Bidstrup's fine finish from an Amar Dedic cross. Despite this, the outcome of the match was never in doubt, with Real Madrid's 5-1 victory marking their sixth win of the campaign. The defeat leaves Salzburg in 34th place, while Real Madrid will focus on maintaining a seeded position on matchday eight.