Carlo Ancelotti commended Kylian Mbappé for his performance in Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Atalanta in the Champions League, despite noting that Mbappé was not at full fitness during the match.
In a crucial encounter, Real Madrid triumphed over Atalanta, effectively ending their two-game losing streak in the tournament. The game marked a significant moment for the defending champions as they claimed the first victory against the Serie A leaders in this season’s Champions League format. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 10th minute but had to be substituted due to an apparent injury shortly thereafter.
Atalanta managed to level the score before halftime through a penalty from Charles de Ketelaere, awarded after Aurelien Tchouameni was deemed to have fouled Sead Kolasinac. However, Real Madrid responded strongly in the second half with a goal from Vinicius Junior in the 56th minute, followed by Jude Bellingham extending the lead just three minutes later. Ademola Lookman pulled one back for Atalanta in the 65th minute, but the stellar performance of Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made several key saves, ensured the victory for Madrid.
Currently, Real Madrid sits 18th in a 36-team table with nine points, trailing three points behind the top eight, which would guarantee qualification for the last 16. Atalanta, on the other hand, remains in a competitive ninth place with 11 points.
Brahim Diaz, who assisted Mbappé’s opening goal, expressed his confidence in the team’s abilities. He emphasized the need to approach each match with determination, stating, “We can finish with 15 points if we win the last two games and then see what happens. Things are going the way they have to go and that’s promising.”
Despite a challenging start to their title defense and three losses in their last four matches prior to this encounter, Madrid’s victory against a strong Atalanta team—known for their solid defensive performance—highlights the potential for resurgence as they aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Overall, this match demonstrates Real Madrid’s resilience and determination to reclaim their status in European football. With their recent victory, the team is poised for a hopeful turnaround, suggesting they may yet build on this momentum as their campaign continues.