By Olaitan Ibrahim
Real Madrid delivered a scintillating performance to demolish RB Salzburg 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night, significantly bolstering their hopes of qualification to the knockout stages.
The Santiago Bernabéu erupted as the home side wasted no time asserting dominance.
Rodrygo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish into the bottom corner, following a smart assist from Jude Bellingham.
The Brazilian doubled his tally in the 34th minute with another well-placed shot, sending Madrid into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The second half showcased Real Madrid’s attacking flair. Kylian Mbappé capitalised on a defensive blunder by Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich in the 48th minute, slotting home Madrid’s third goal.
Moments later, Vinícius Júnior joined the party with a stunning solo effort in the 55th minute, leaving Salzburg’s defence in disarray.
Madrid’s relentless pressure paid off again in the 77th minute when Federico Valverde’s cutback found Vinícius Júnior, who calmly netted his second goal of the night, making it 5-0.
Salzburg, though overwhelmed, found a consolation goal in the 85th minute. Mads Bidstrup volleyed home a superb strike from Amar Dedic’s assist, but it was too little, too late for the visitors.