Real Madrid clinch crucial Champions League win over Atalanta
Real Madrid overcame a resilient Atalanta side to secure a crucial 3-2 victory in Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday (AEDT) at the Gewiss Stadium.
The defending champions were up within the first 10 minutes through France captain Kylian Mbappe, who converted clinically after being set up by Moroccan international Brahim Diaz.
Although the hosts equalised right before the break through a Charles De Ketelaere penalty, Vinicius Jr restored the lead for the Blancos in the 56th minute on his return from a hamstring injury.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham gave Madrid a two-goal cushion three minutes later, before their advantage was trimmed by Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman midway through the second half.
Despite a late rally by the hosts, Real Madrid held on to secure their third win in six UCL appearances this campaign.
Despite missing several key players due to injury, Carlo Ancelotti was more than pleased by the win.
“It was a complete performance,” the Real Madrid boss said after the game.
“We suffered, but also created numerous chances, had a lot of movement upfront with Bellingham, Vinicius and initially Mbappe.
“We knew that we would have to suffer, we are still missing a lot of players and that means we cannot be at our best, but we needed a performance like this in a very difficult arena against an Atalanta side that plays with a lot of intensity.”
After losing to AC Milan and Liverpool in their last two European outings, this was a much-needed result for Madrid, who elevated themselves to 18th on the ladder with nine points.
Given that the top eight teams automatically qualify for the last 16, Madrid now have a fighting chance heading into their remaining two league-phase games against Red Bull Salzburg and Stade Brestois.
While Atalanta have dropped to ninth with 11 points, they remain in a strong position with games against SK Sturm Graz and Barcelona still to come.
Although he felt a draw would have been fair, Orobici manager Gian Piero Gasperini urged his side to improve in order to match Madrid’s level.
“A draw would have possibly better reflected the balance of play,” he said.
“Maybe losing like we did will hurt us more and force us to improve.
“The defeat had nothing to do with luck or anything like that, and that means that we still need to tweak a few things to get to their level.”
Real Madrid will be away to Rayo Vallecano this weekend, and La Liga bookmakers are paying -158.73 for the defending champions to win.
Meanwhile, Serie A leaders Atalanta are returning the same price at Marantelli Bet for their road trip to Cagliari.