Real Madrid secured a vital 3-2 victory against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday, breaking a disappointing two-game losing streak in the tournament. Key goals from Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham propelled the defending champions to their first win in this season’s revamped competition, dealing Atalanta their first defeat of the campaign.
The match began positively for Madrid when Mbappé netted the opener in the 10th minute with a well-placed shot from inside the box. Unfortunately, his night was cut short due to a muscle injury, leading to his substitution in the 35th minute. Just before halftime, Atalanta’s Charles de Ketelaere equalized with a penalty after Aurelien Tchouameni brought down Sead Kolasinac.
However, Vinicius Jr. quickly restored Madrid’s lead, scoring from a rebound in the 56th minute, followed shortly by Bellingham extending their advantage via a swift counter-attack. Although Ademola Lookman pulled one back for Atalanta in the 65th minute, Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was instrumental in maintaining the lead, making several crucial saves in the latter stages of the match.
As it stands, Real Madrid sits 18th in the 36-team table with nine points, just three points shy of the top eight that ensures a spot in the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Atalanta currently holds ninth place with 11 points.
Brahim Diaz, who assisted on Mbappé’s goal, expressed optimism following the win. “We came here with confidence… This team has a lot to give still, and we’re going to give much more. We’re going to take it one game at a time. We can finish with 15 points if we win the last two games and then see what happens,” he remarked, emphasizing the resilience and potential of the squad as they look forward to their upcoming matches.
This victory not only lifts Real Madrid’s spirits but also serves as a wake-up call indicating that they still have plenty to contribute in this Champions League season, showcasing their championship pedigree and commitment to turning their fortunes around.
In summary, Real Madrid’s latest Champions League triumph reflects their determination and capability to rebound from setbacks, as they are poised to continue competing fiercely in this prestigious tournament.