Brest 0-3 Real Madrid: Holders into play-offs despite Rodrygo-inspired win

Champions League holders Real Madrid will be seeded for Friday's play-off draw after winning 3-0 at Brest to finish 11th in the league phase.

Los Blancos travelled to France knowing they only had a very slim chance of making the top eight and qualifying directly for the last 16, needing a victory and several other results to go their way.

While they did not receive the necessary favours from elsewhere, Carlo Ancelotti's team were largely untroubled at the Stade de Roudourou.

Rodrygo fired them into a 27th-minute lead, cutting inside from the left and evading several challenges before finishing off the post, then Ludovic Ajorque had a potential leveller chalked off for offside just after half-time.

Jude Bellingham instantly made that reprieve count by slotting home a second in the 56th minute, then Rodrygo made the points safe with a simple finish 12 minutes from time.

Madrid will face one of Manchester City or Celtic in next month's play-offs, with cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid among their possible opponents if they reach the last 16.

Brest were also already assured of a play-off place, and they will face Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica after finishing 17th, two points behind Madrid.

Data Debrief: Rodrygo's hot streak continues

Madrid have now won five straight games in all competitions, and Rodrygo's form has been key for the 15-time European champions.

He has 14 goal involvements (10 goals, four assists) in his last 11 appearances for Madrid following Wednesday's brace. In the Champions League, he has 12 contributions in his last 14 starts (nine goals, three assists).

With Bellingham's strike moving him into double figures for the season, Madrid have become the first team in Europe's top five leagues to have four players score 10 goals in all competitions in 2024-25 (also Kylian Mbappe – 22, Vinicius Junior – 17, Rodrygo – 13).