Atalanta 2-3 Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr scores on return as Los Blancos battle past La Dea in five-goal thriller
Real Madrid triumphed over Atalanta BC with a score of 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League, securing crucial points and achieving a perfect record of four victories in four encounters against La Dea.
Despite facing challenges in European competitions this season, Los Blancos and Kylian Mbappe displayed promise from the outset. The French forward received a pass from Brahim Diaz and skillfully found the bottom corner just ten minutes into the match, marking his 50th goal in the Champions League.
Shortly thereafter, Mbappe made another threatening run, but his powerful shot was expertly saved by Marco Carnesecchi.
At the other end, Ademola Lookman posed a threat, with Aurelien Tchouameni blocking one of his attempts and Antonio Rudiger making a crucial intervention on a low cross intended for Charles De Ketelaere.
Wderson also had a shot thwarted by Tchouameni, while Lookman missed the target as Atalanta intensified their pursuit of an equalizer.
However, Real Madrid faced a setback when Mbappe had to leave the field due to injury in the 36th minute. Rudiger then squandered a prime opportunity to extend the lead by heading wide.
The center-back's frustration grew when Tchouameni fouled Sead Kolasinac, resulting in a penalty that De Ketelaere confidently converted just before halftime, particularly after a heated exchange between the German defender and the forward.
Energized by this development, Atalanta came out strong in the second half, with De Ketelaere heading wide after rising above Rudiger, and Lookman forcing a save from Courtois with a long-range effort.
In the 57th minute, however, Real Madrid regained their advantage when the ball deflected off Ederson and fell to Vinicius Junior, who capitalized on the opportunity with a precise finish.
Just three minutes later, Jude Bellingham skillfully maneuvered past Marten de Roon and found the net, providing his team with a crucial cushion.
Lookman promptly reminded everyone that Atalanta remained competitive in the match, driving his shot through the legs of Lucas Vazquez and beyond the reach of Courtois.
Diaz and Rodrygo each squandered an opportunity to extend their lead, while Courtois thwarted attempts from substitutes Lazar Samardzic and Mateo Retegui.
The latter, however, failed to convert a prime chance, as Real Madrid secured a crucial victory following their consecutive defeats in the Champions League, temporarily placing them 18th in the standings.
Additionally, they handed Atalanta their first loss in European competition this season, although La Dea currently sits in ninth place.
SportsLigue