Rodrygo scored twice and Jude Bellingham once as title holders Real Madrid eased to a 3-0 victory against Brest in France in the Champions League on Wednesday, but the result was not enough for the Spanish giants to advance straight to the last 16. Rodrygo opened the scoring in the first half for a Real side missing the suspended Vinicius Junior, and Bellingham doubled their lead early in the second half, shortly after a valiant Brest side had been denied an equaliser by a tight offside call. 

Rodrygo then wrapped up the win late on after a Kylian Mbappe effort was saved. Carlo Ancelotti's side lost three of their first five matches in this new, expanded Champions League, raising fears that they could be eliminated before the knockout phase. However, they have finished with three consecutive victories, and have also claimed five straight wins in all competitions since a 5-2 pasting at the hands of Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia on January 12. Madrid began the day in 16th place in the standings, but were just a point outside the top eight, while Brest had also already sealed a place in the knockout phase and were a point better off than their opponents.