After being held to a disappointing 0-0 home draw by Rayo Vallecano over the weekend, Real Madrid will be keen to get back to winning ways in midweek as they entertain Portuguese outfit Braga in the Champions League.
So far this season, Los Blancos have looked impressive in this competition, winning all three of their Group C matches as they seek a record-extending 15th European title.
But Braga visit the Spanish capital in fine form after recording a 6-1 domestic win over the weekend. They were beaten 2-1 by Real in the return group stage match just three weeks ago, but the visitors looked dangerous in throughout that match and have shown their capabilities elsewhere by beating Union Berlin 3-2 in Germany.
The away side will know that there's nothing to lose on this occasion and could claim a priceless scalp in the process if Carlo Ancelotti's side aren't up to full speed. The Sporting News previews the game here.
MORE: UEFA Champions League group stage standings, results, schedule, and fixtures for 2023/24
Real Madrid vs Braga match facts
- Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
- Kickoff time: 9:00 p.m. local (3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 a.m. PT)
- Location: Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid, Spain)
- Last meeting: Braga 1-2 Real Madrid (Oct. 24, 2023 | Champions League)
Real Madrid vs Braga prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Real Madrid (-450)
- Score prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Braga
| RMA win | Draw | BRA win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings (USA) | -450 | +650 | +1000 | -125 / +105 | -290 / +225 |
Real Madrid vs Braga best bet
- Pick: Under 2.5 goals
- Odds: +225 (DraftKings)
After Real failed to break down Rayo Vallecano on home soil over the weekend, we're predicting that they could potentially struggle again here against slightly stronger opposition in Braga.
The Spanish giants were superior to their Portuguese neighbours in that 2-1 win three weeks ago but since then, they've scored just twice across their two domestic outings.
Granted, both came against Barcelona – which highlights their ability to still beat the best teams – but with a slender 1-0 late minute win over Union Berlin during their only other Champions League home outing, backing the 2.5 goals here at such great value (+225) seems a good move.
Real Madrid vs Braga flier bet
- Pick: Vinicius Junior first goalscorer
- Odds: +450 (DraftKings)
Although it's been the Jude Bellingham show so far this season for Real Madrid in the goalscoring department, we're going to pick his Brazilian teammate Vinicius Junior to open the scoring in this one. Bellingham is a fitness doubt for the game.
The Brazilian, meanwhile, has largely struggled throughout the early part of this campaign – netting just three times in 11 club outings – but he still has the ability to etch his name onto the scoresheet here.
His record in the Champions League remains impressive for a wide player, scoring 16 times in 48 competition appearances.
