Brugge fought hard but Real Madrid came away victorious!

Real Madrid had already qualified for the knockout stages, but wanted to finish Group A off in style. They were guaranteed to finish in second place. Brugge needed to finish third to gain a Europa League place! 

Zinedine Zidane made a few changes going into this game, as his team have important league games to focus on, including the much-anticipated Clasico! Gareth Bale was available for Madrid after suffering a hamstring problem, but he started on the bench, along with star man Benzema, who was also rested.  Luka Jovic was handed a rare start in attack and was joined by teenagers Rodrygo and Vinicus Jr. Aerola also came in as keeper.

The first half started off rather fast paced and both teams looked to go ahead early on. However, it was Brugge that seemed the better of the two sides in the first half and they had the best shot in the first twenty minutes.

A bit of attacking play from Brugge in their box, as they looked threatening, saw the best shot of the half! Tau was the man behind the ball, but it was deflected straight off the keeper. A good bit of play from the home side, who ruffled Madrid's feathers a lot. 

Real Madrid came to life just before the break and had a few shots, looking a lot more threatening than earlier on in the game. Isco was the main man in the first half and he certainly did shake up the Brugge defence! He had a shot in the 33rd minute, but it went just wide of the post to deny Real Madrid the lead.

There was excitement just before the whistle, 1 minute of added time was awarded, which saw Dennis manage to chip the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed and VAR checked as the flag went up for offside. This meant it was all level going into the break.

Both teams came out fighting in the second half, but it was Madrid who got the scoring underway! Youngster Rodrygo was the goalscorer, a great ball in from Odriozola on the right wing saw Rodrygo receive the ball in the box and a devastating finish from the striker put his team in the lead in the 53rd minute, his ball clipped the post on its way in and there was nothing Mignolet could do about it!

Only 1 minute later there was another goal. Madrid were no sooner in front than Brugge find a reply. 2 goals in a minute! Dennis passed the ball to Vanaken on the edge of the box and it was a sublime finish from the Belgian itnernational, as he levelled things up for the home side! It was all to play for at this point! 

Madrid's second goal game 10 minutes later. A cool, clear finish from Vinicius as he jabbed the ball in the net with the outside of his back foot.  A scuffle in the box between Isco and Jovic and the Brugge defenders saw Vinicius steal the ball and cleverly put it away. A super finish to put Real Madrid in the lead once again. 3 goals in 11 minutes! 

All game Brugge fought to try to find the equaliser and get something out of the game, but in the end, Madrid were too strong and their third goal game in the 3 minutes of added time.

Modric swept home a brilliant goal! He struck from the penalty arch after receiving the ball from Casemiro and it went past the keeper and into the bottom left corner. An inch perfect finish to end the game, as Madrid went away triumphant! Final Score:1-3