Portuguese outfit, Sporting Braga, travel to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, where they will face Real Madrid. Los Blancos were victorious in match day three when the two teams met, claiming a narrow 2-1 victory.
Real Madrid
The Spanish side have won all three of their Champions League matches in Group C and progress to the knockout stages is all but guaranteed. Although they have a 100% record, their performances have not been of the standards expected at Real Madrid and they were fortunate against all of their opponents so far. The difference has been Jude Bellingham, playing at the tip of the diamond, adopting a center forward/ midfield hybrid role. The young England international is the joint top scorer in the UCL on three goals, half of Real Madrid's total.
Carlo Ancelotti's team have been almost flawless in La Liga this season also, but they sit in second place after 12 matches. They have only suffered defeat once, which was in the Madrid derby, whilst scoring the fourth most goals (23) and boasting the best defensive record (8 conceded). Furthermore, Real Madrid are unbeaten at home, winning 80% of their matches whilst hosting.
Sporting Braga
Artur Jorge will hope that his team can apply pressure on second place Napoli with a shock win this week. Braga are currently in third and their only win came against bottom side, Union Berlin. A positive that the boss can take so far, is that the Braguistas have netted in each of their three matches and put up a fight versus the favourites. A result against Real Madrid or Napoli was achievable, but a lack of clinical edge in attack let them down.
In Liga Portugal, Braga sit in fourth place but the football they play is extremely exciting for the neutral. They are by far the top scorers in the league, netting an average of 2.9 goals a game, but focusing on the attack has its drawbacks, as Braga also concede the sixth most, 18 in ten matches. Jorge's team have won 60% of their matches, but they are particularly vulnerable on the road, which will play into the hands of Real Madrid.
Verdict?
Braga will not change their approach ahead of the game, which may lead to Real Madrid finding plenty of joy in attack, yet they must be aware of the threat that the Portuguese side oppose. Nevertheless, Ancelotti's team should make it four from four.
The final prediction is Real Madrid 3-1 Sporting Braga.
