Real Madrid secured a vital 3-2 victory against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday, breaking a losing streak in the tournament. Goals from Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham helped the reigning champions notch their first win of the season, while simultaneously handing the Italian side their first defeat.
The match began positively for Madrid when Mbappé scored in the 10th minute with a slick finish inside the box. However, his performance was cut short due to an injury that forced him to leave the field in the 35th minute. Atalanta responded just before halftime when Charles de Ketelaere converted a penalty, leveling the game after Aurelien Tchouameni fouled Sead Kolasinac.
In the second half, Vinicius Junior reclaimed the lead for Madrid by pouncing on a rebound in the 56th minute. Just moments later, Bellingham extended the advantage to 3-1 following a quick counter-attack. Although Ademola Lookman brought Atalanta back into contention with a goal in the 65th minute, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves to help the team hold onto their lead.
Currently, Real Madrid sits 18th in the 36-team table with nine points, just three behind the top eight spots that would secure their place in the knockout stages. Atalanta follows close behind in ninth place with 11 points. Real’s Brahim Diaz expressed optimism about the team’s capabilities, emphasizing their intent to focus on each upcoming match and aiming for a total of 15 points by winning their remaining games.
Despite facing challenges in their European title defense after a strong campaign last season, where they won both La Liga and the Champions League, this win serves as a promising sign for Real Madrid moving forward. Their determination and resilience on the field could pave the way for a successful finish in the group stage, reigniting hopes of defending their title.
This victory not only lifts the team’s morale but also reinforces their potential to perform under pressure as they strive for success in the Champions League. Fans can remain hopeful as Madrid gears up for the final matches with a renewed sense of confidence.