Carlo Ancelotti commended Kylian Mbappé’s performance during Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Atalanta in the Champions League, although he acknowledged that the star player was not completely fit. The win was crucial for Madrid, halting a two-game losing streak in the competition.
Real Madrid’s attacking prowess was on display during the match, which took place on Tuesday. They handed Atalanta their first defeat in the revamped Champions League this season, courtesy of early goals from Mbappé, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a well-placed shot inside the box, but his run was cut short by a muscle injury, leading to his substitution in the 35th minute.
Atalanta equalized just before halftime when Charles de Ketelaere converted a penalty following a foul by Aurelien Tchouameni. However, Vinicius Junior quickly restored Real Madrid’s lead in the 56th minute after seizing on a rebound. Bellingham extended their advantage just three minutes later during a quick counterattack. Despite Ademola Lookman narrowing the gap for Atalanta in the 65th minute, Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, made a series of vital saves to secure the victory.
With this win, Real Madrid now sits 18th place in the 36-team group stage table with nine points, just three points away from the top eight that would guarantee advancement to the knockout stage. Atalanta is currently ninth, with 11 points.
Brahim Diaz, who assisted Mbappé’s goal, expressed optimism about the team’s potential, stating, “This team has a lot to give and we’re going to give much more.” He also emphasized a one-game-at-a-time approach as they aim for a maximum of 15 points from the final two matches.
Despite struggling in recent matches, Real Madrid demonstrated resilience in Italy, securing a vital win against a strong Atalanta side that had previously shown dominance in the tournament, having won all their matches while conceding just one goal.
In the context of their European title defense, this victory could pave the way for a resurgence, signaling the team’s determination to rebound and compete at the highest level.
Overall, this performance showcases Real Madrid’s enduring spirit and the potential comeback in both the Champions League and in the Spanish league, making it a promising moment for fans and players alike.