Carlo Ancelotti commended Kylian Mbappé for his contributions during Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 triumph over Atalanta in the Champions League, despite revealing that the star player was not fully fit.
In this crucial match, Real Madrid secured a vital victory after a two-game losing streak in the competition, marking Atalanta’s first defeat in this season’s revamped Champions League format. The match opened with Mbappé’s early goal in the 10th minute after a skillful play that saw him control a pass from Brahim Diaz, allowing him to fire home from close range. However, his impressive performance was cut short when he left the field due to injury in the 35th minute.
Atalanta equalized with a penalty converted by Charles de Ketelaere just before halftime, following a foul by Aurelien Tchouameni. Yet, the visitors regained control of the game when Vinicius Jr. scored in the 56th minute, seizing a rebound. Jude Bellingham soon extended Real’s advantage to 3-1, but Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman responded with a goal in the 65th minute, sparking hopes of a comeback.
Real Madrid now sits in 18th place in the 36-team table with nine points from six matches, three points adrift of the top eight which guarantees qualification for the knockout stage. Atalanta, competing strongly, occupies ninth with 11 points. Brahim Diaz expressed optimism, stating the team’s determination to improve and their readiness to contend in forthcoming matches. He emphasized the importance of taking it one game at a time, aiming for a total of 15 points if they win their last two matches.
This win represents a significant boost for Madrid as they strive to find their rhythm in their title defense after a challenging start to the season. Thibaut Courtois’ exceptional goalkeeping was crucial in maintaining their lead, as he made several key saves to clinch the hard-fought victory.
As they move forward, the team’s resilience and ability to harness their talent could pave the way for a successful turnaround in their Champions League campaign, instilling hope among players and fans alike.