Real Madrid defeated Atalanta BC 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) to secure crucial points and make it four victories from four encounters against La Dea.
Los Blancos and Kylian Mbappé may have faltered in Europe this term, but the Frenchman appeared sharp from the outset and received Brahim Díaz’s pass before striking into the bottom net just 10 minutes into play for his 50th UCL goal. He then surged through again shortly after but saw a fierce attempt halted by Marco Carnesecchi. Ademola Lookman posed threats at the opposite end, with a shot deflected by Aurélien Tchouaméni and a low delivery for Charles De Ketelaere prompting a vital clearance from Antonio Rüdiger.
Éderson became the latest player to have an effort blocked by Tchouaméni, and Lookman shot wide as La Dea increased their push for a leveller. There was soon dismay for Real Madrid, though, with Mbappé being substituted injured in the 36th minute before Rüdiger missed a key chance to extend his team’s advantage. The defender’s annoyance was heightened when his colleague Tchouaméni fouled Sead Kolašinac to award a penalty that De Ketelaere confidently scored with the last action of the half, particularly as the German had earlier engaged in heated debate with the forward.
Energised by that moment, Atalanta demonstrated ambition after the interval, with De Ketelaere rising above Rüdiger but heading off target before Lookman forced Courtois into action with a long-range effort. They fell behind in the 57th minute, however, as the ball rebounded off Éderson and fortunately landed for Vinícius Júnior, who made the most of it with an expert finish. Only three minutes later, Jude Bellingham weaved past Marten de Roon and outsmarted Carnesecchi to provide his team with a cushion. Lookman quickly reminded everyone that Atalanta weren’t done, driving his shot through Lucas Vázquez’s legs and past Courtois.
Díaz and Rodrygo squandered opportunities to restore a two-goal margin, but Courtois thwarted substitutes Lazar Samardžić and Mateo Retegui before the latter missed a decisive chance as Real Madrid clinched an essential win to bounce back from consecutive UCL losses, climbing to 18th in the table for now. They also handed Atalanta their maiden European defeat of the season, although La Dea remain ninth.
