Real Madrid Edge Past Atalanta 3-2 to Revive Champions League Title Defense

Posted : 11 December 2024

Real Madrid resumed their Champions League title defense on Tuesday with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Atalanta, pushing themselves closer to securing a place in the knockout stages. The Spanish giants, led by Carlo Ancelotti, triumphed in a tense atmosphere at Atalanta's home in Bergamo, with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham sealing the win.

The result lifted Madrid to 18th place, with nine points from six matches, putting them three points away from the top eight spots that guarantee direct qualification for the last 16 of the competition.

Atalanta, who were previously unbeaten in this season's competition, gave Madrid a tough challenge, equalizing twice during the match. The hosts responded after Mbappe's early opener with a penalty from Charles De Ketelaere just before halftime.

A stunning strike by Ademola Lookman in the 65th minute brought Atalanta level again after quickfire goals from Vinicius and Bellingham put Madrid in front. Despite the pressure, Madrid held on for the win, with Atalanta's last-ditch efforts to equalize falling short. Substitute Mateo Retegui missed a golden opportunity in injury time, shooting over the bar from close range.

Madrid's victory was crucial, as a loss would have risked their chances of advancing from the group stage. With two matches left, they are now positioned well to qualify, but still face the pressure of securing more points.

Ancelotti’s side inflicted Atalanta's first defeat of the season in the revamped competition, leaving the Serie A leaders in ninth place, two points ahead of Madrid. Atalanta's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, praised his team's performance despite the loss, emphasizing that they are learning from their narrow defeats.

The match also saw some injury concerns for Madrid, with Mbappe being forced off in the 36th minute after a strong first-half performance. He appeared to be in discomfort due to a hamstring issue, though Ancelotti downplayed the injury, suggesting it wasn’t serious.

Mbappe had been a constant threat in the opening stages, testing Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi multiple times before finally finding the back of the net with a calm finish after a brilliant assist from Brahim Diaz.

Despite the injury scare, Madrid found themselves in control after Vinicius' return from a hamstring injury. His goal in the 56th minute, following a deflection off Ederson, gave Madrid a crucial lead, and Bellingham's smart finish three minutes later appeared to seal the game.

However, Lookman’s late goal ensured the match remained thrilling until the final moments, as both teams pushed for more goals. Ultimately, Madrid held on for the victory, with Atalanta left to rue missed opportunities, including Retegui’s late miss in front of an open goal.

Real Madrid Edge Past Atalanta 3-2 to Revive Champions League Title Defense

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