Real Madrid guaranteed themselves at least a playoff spot in the Champions League courtesy of their 5-1 success over Red Bull Salzburg in Wednesday's league-phase contest at Bernabeu.
Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior both scored twice, while Kylian Mbappe also registered, as Carlo Ancelotti's side ran riot in the European contest in the capital, and it was a sensational display from the holders.
The victory, coupled with results elsewhere, has left Los Blancos in 16th spot in the Champions League table, four points clear of 25th-placed Manchester City, while they are only one point behind eighth-placed Bayer Leverkusen in the battle to secure automatic qualification into the knockout round of the competition.
As for Salzburg, who netted a late consolation through Mads Bidstrup, the defeat was their sixth from seven matches in the competition this term, and the Austrian giants are down in 34th spot, with only Slovan Bratislava and Young Boys performing worse in this season's tournament.
Real Madrid will finish their league-phase campaign away to Brest next week, while Salzburg will be aiming to record their second victory of the season when they host Atletico Madrid.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Iconsport
It would be fair to say that Real Madrid have struggled to find their groove for the majority of the season, but this was the type of performance and result that would have sent out a statement to the rest of Europe.
When Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius and Mbappe are in this sort of form, then there are few teams in world football capable of stopping them, and they simply cannot be ruled out when it comes to contenders for the trophy once again.
There remain question marks over their defence, and that could cost them later in the competition, but this was a seriously good attacking performance from Ancelotti's side, who have guaranteed themselves at least a playoff spot.
It was five in the end, but it could have been seven or eight, and Salzburg will be absolutely delighted that they do not have to face a team of Real Madrid's ilk on a consistent basis.
It would certainly not be a surprise to see them sneak into the top eight next week, but even if a playoff is required, Real Madrid should be present in the knockout round of the competition.
REAL MADRID VS. SALZBURG HIGHLIGHTS
Rodrygo goal vs. Salzburg (23rd min, Real Madrid 1-0 Salzburg)
Precise finish from Rodrygo on the counter puts Real Madrid ahead 🎯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusuk pic.twitter.com/ZxmJdUHAh3
Real Madrid make the breakthrough in the 23rd minute of the match, as Rodrygo turns into the bottom corner after Bellingham had failed to control a cross from Vinicius - it will go down as a Bellingham assist despite the loose touch!
Rodrygo goal vs. Salzburg (34th min, Real Madrid 2-0 Salzburg)
What a goal 🤧
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2025
Rodrygo doubles his, and Real Madrid's tally, after a brilliant interchange with Jude Bellingham, with a sublime finish 🔥
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Real Madrid double their lead in the 34th minute, and it is a wonderful finish from Rodrygo, who picks out the bottom corner from distance following a clever pass from Bellingham; Los Blancos are fully in control of this contest now.
Kylian Mbappe goal vs. Salzburg (48th min, Real Madrid 3-0 Salzburg)
A gift for Mbappe ⚽️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2025
Blaswich won't want to see that again, as he tries to take it past Mbappe, who takes it off him and puts it into the empty net to give Real Madrid a 3-0 lead 🫣
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A real gift for Mbappe, as the Frenchman tackles the Salzburg goalkeeper before rolling the ball into the back of the net; huge error from the man between the sticks for the visitors, and it is 3-0 to Los Blancos.
Vinicius Junior goal vs. Salzburg (55th min, Real Madrid 4-0 Salzburg)
Another sublime goal, this time from Vinicius Junior, and Real Madrid are cooking 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/a9ho8aGBlB
Real Madrid have their fourth of the match, and Vinicius gets in on the act, as the Brazilian fires the ball into the back of the net after driving into the Salzburg box; Los Blancos have definitely secured the points now.
Vinicius Junior goal vs. Salzburg (77th min, Real Madrid 5-0 Salzburg)
5* Madrid 🌟
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2025
Vinicius Junior gets his second with another magnificent piece of skill and finish, as Real Madrid make it 5.
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Vinicius has his second of the match, and it is a wonderful goal from the Brazilian, who collects a pass from Federico Valverde before working the space and sliding the ball into the back of the net - Real Madrid are running riot here.
Mads Bidstrup goal vs. Real Madrid (85th min, Real Madrid 5-1 Salzburg)
Bidstrup gets Salzburg consolation 💥 A cracker for the Austrians, to make it 5-1 to Real Madrid.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/rrK1x843t2
Salzburg give their fans something to cheer at Bernabeu, as Bidstrup strikes a stunning volley into the back of the home side's goal - absolutely no chance for Los Blancos goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois there.
MAN OF THE MATCH - VINICIUS JUNIOR
© Imago
It was a straight fight between Rodrygo and Vinicius, with both players in sensational form on Wednesday evening, but the latter just gets the nod due to his overall contribution to the victory.
Vinicius was unplayable, particularly in the second period, scoring twice, but he also managed three successful dribbles, with Salzburg struggling to deal with the 24-year-old when he changed gear.
REAL MADRID VS. SALZBURG MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 70%-30% Salzburg
Shots: Real Madrid 14-9 Salzburg
Shots on target: Real Madrid 6-3 Salzburg
Corners: Real Madrid 10-3 Salzburg
Fouls: Real Madrid 11-9 Salzburg
BEST STATS
1998 - This will be @realmadriden first European meeting against FC Salzburg, and their first with an Austrian side since their 5-1 victory over Sturm Graz in the Champions League group stage back in 1998-99. Occasional. pic.twitter.com/h79snXnxEH
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 22, 2025
100 - @vinijr 🇧🇷 has reached 100 goals with @realmadriden in all competitions, becoming second Brazilian player to reach this milestone with Los Blancos after Ronaldo Nazário (104). Samba. pic.twitter.com/TWiveTSrAg
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 22, 2025
22 - @BellinghamJude 🏴 has provided 22 assists with @realmadriden in all competitions since his arrival at club, more than any other of his teammates. This is his second time providing two assists in a single game with Real (also against Alavés in LaLiga in May 2024). Partner. pic.twitter.com/sXoTdPkqhj
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 22, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid's attention will now switch back to La Liga, preparing to head to Real Valladolid on Saturday night, before concluding their Champions League league-phase campaign against Brest next week.
As for Salzburg, the Austrian outfit have a free week to prepare for their final Champions League fixture of the season, which comes at home to Atletico Madrid, with their domestic campaign not restarting until February 2.
Matt Law
