Bergamo, Italy (WE) —In a high-stakes Champions League showdown at Gewiss Stadium, Real Madrid overcame an in-form Atalanta side with a gritty 3-2 victory, cementing a critical three points in their European campaign. However, the triumph was marred by the loss of Kylian Mbappe to injury in the first half, adding another chapter to Madrid’s injury-plagued season.
Match Highlights
The match began with fireworks as Kylian Mbappe struck early in the 10th minute, showcasing a glimpse of his elite form with a stunning finish. His joy was short-lived, however, as an untimely injury forced him off the pitch in the 36th minute, with Rodrygo taking his place. This marked a pivotal moment in the game, leaving Madrid fans anxious about the star forward’s condition.
Atalanta, riding a nine-game winning streak, capitalized on Madrid’s unsettled defense and leveled the score just before halftime through a penalty converted by Charles De Ketelaere. The momentum appeared to swing in favor of the hosts as they dominated possession and created several dangerous opportunities.
Madrid’s Second-Half Resurgence
The second half brought a revitalized Real Madrid. Within ten minutes of the restart, Vinícius Jr. restored their lead with a clinical finish from a well-placed through ball. Just three minutes later, Jude Bellingham added to the scoreline with a brilliant solo effort, cutting inside from the right and slotting the ball into the net, giving Madrid a 3-1 advantage.
Atalanta refused to back down, with Ademola Lookman pulling one back in the 65th minute. The Nigerian forward’s precise strike reignited the contest, setting up a nail-biting finish. Despite relentless pressure from the hosts, Real Madrid’s defense held firm. A last-gasp chance for Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui ended in heartbreak as he missed a golden opportunity to equalize in stoppage time, sending his effort over the bar.
Key Performances and Tactical Insights
- Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder was instrumental, not only scoring but also contributing significantly in Madrid’s midfield battles. His composure and vision highlighted why he remains a key asset for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
- Atalanta’s Resilience: The Italian side’s attacking prowess was on full display, with Lookman and De Ketelaere consistently troubling Madrid’s backline. Their high-pressing game tested Madrid’s defensive mettle throughout.
- Carlo Ancelotti’s Adjustments: The Madrid coach made crucial substitutions, including introducing Luka Modrić and Arda Güler late in the game to stabilize the midfield and disrupt Atalanta’s rhythm.
Statistical Breakdown
| Stat | Atalanta | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 20 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 6 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.94 | 1.57 |
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Accurate Passes | 508 | 399 |
| Fouls | 15 | 13 |
Lineups
Atalanta
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 29 | Marco Carnesecchi |
| 19 | Berat Djimsiti |
| 4 | Isak Hien |
| 23 | Sead Kolasinac |
| 16 | Raoul Bellanova |
| 15 | Marten de Roon |
| 13 | Jose Ederson Silva |
| 22 | Matteo Ruggeri |
| 8 | Mario Pasalic |
| 17 | Charles De Ketelaere |
| 11 | Ademola Lookman |
Substitutes:
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 28 | Pedro Rui Patricio |
| 31 | Francesco Rossi |
| 2 | Rafael Toloi |
| 3 | Odilon Kossounou (s 74′) |
| 5 | Ben Godfrey |
| 10 | Nicolo Zaniolo (s 87′) |
| 24 | Lazar Samardzic (s 58′) |
| 27 | Marco Palestra |
| 32 | Mateo Retegui (s 74′) |
| 44 | Marco Brescianini |
| 77 | Davide Zappacosta (s 75′) |
Real Madrid
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thibaut Courtois |
| 17 | Vazquez Lucas |
| 14 | Aurelien Tchouameni |
| 22 | Antonio Rudiger |
| 20 | Francisco Garcia |
| 19 | Dani Ceballos |
| 8 | Federico Valverde |
| 21 | Brahim Diaz |
| 5 | Jude Bellingham |
| 7 | Jose Vinicius Junior |
| 9 | Kylian Mbappe |
Substitutes:
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 13 | Andriy Lunin |
| 34 | Sergio Mestre |
| 10 | Luka Modric (s 84′) |
| 11 | de Goes Rodrygo (s 36′) |
| 15 | Arda Guler (s 87′) |
| 16 | de Sousa Endrick |
| 18 | Jesus Vallejo |
| 29 | Youssef Lekhedim |
| 35 | Raul Asencio (s 84′) |
| 36 | Chema Andres |
Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid showcased their depth and adaptability, with substitutions like Rodrygo making an immediate impact. Atalanta displayed resilience and attacking flair but lacked the finishing touch in critical moments.
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What’s Next?
The win elevates Real Madrid’s standing in the Champions League group stage, but their journey remains precarious. The injury to Mbappe looms large as Madrid faces a packed schedule, with key matches both domestically and in Europe. Meanwhile, Atalanta, despite the loss, continue to impress and remain strong contenders for progression.
As the competition heats up, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Madrid seeking consistency and Atalanta aiming to maintain their remarkable form.
For Atalanta:
Their next fixture is an away match against Stuttgart on 6th December 2024, followed by a trip to face Young Boys on 26th December 2024. They will then host Sturm Graz on 21st January 2025 and conclude the league phase against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on 29th January 2025
For Real Madrid:
Their upcoming matches include a crucial tie against Lille on 2nd October 2024, followed by a high-profile home game against Borussia Dortmund on 22nd October 2024, and an encounter with AC Milan on 5th November 2024
The top eight teams in the standings will advance directly to the round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th will compete in knockout playoffs to join them. Each match carries significant weight as teams strive for qualification