Real Madrid's night lacked the tension felt elsewhere in Europe. A top-eight finish was always highly unlikely and with a playoff place assured, all that was left was beating Brest, scoring as many goals as possible, and then seeing what the playoffs would bring.

Madrid's performance at the Stade du Roudourou was typical of the team this season, showcasing their wealth of attacking firepower -- even without the suspended Vinícius Júnior -- but also their somewhat unconvincing all-round game and a flimsy backline. If a team like Brest can force goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into making five saves -- two of them really impressive -- what might a better side, even an out-of-form Manchester City, do in the next round?

One of the positives was Rodrygo, who followed his brace against Salzburg last week with two more against Brest to make it 24 Champions League goals with Madrid. It was another demonstration that Rodrygo feels more comfortable -- and is most dangerous -- on the left, a position usually occupied by Vinícius.

Jude Bellingham scored too, while Kylian Mbappé had six shots without finding the net, but played a key part in Rodrygo's second goal, spinning away from the defender. At the other end, Madrid's defence is still a headache for manager Carlo Ancelotti, with Courtois' save from Kenny Lala was perhaps the moment of the night.

Madrid will go into the playoffs hoping their attacking strength outweighs their defensive weakness with a team that, for all its stars, still raises more questions than answers.