Real Madrid Returns to Form with 3-2 Victory Over Atalanta

Real Madrid secured a vital 3-2 win against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday, ending a two-match losing streak in the competition. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham propelled the holders back to winning ways.
The victory marked the first defeat for Serie A leaders Atalanta in this season's revamped Champions League. Mbappe opened the scoring with a precise finish from inside the box in the 10th minute but had to exit the match due to injury shortly after.

Atalanta equalized just before halftime when Charles de Ketelaere converted a penalty after Aurelien Tchouameni fouled Sead Kolasinac. However, Vinicius Jr. restored Madrid's lead in the 56th minute, converting a rebound.
Bellingham extended the advantage three minutes later with a strike following a counterattack, but Ademola Lookman brought Atalanta back into contention in the 65th minute. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several critical saves to ensure the win.

Currently, Real Madrid sits 18th in the 36-team standings with nine points, three points shy of the top eight that secure direct qualification to the last 16. Atalanta is in ninth place with 11 points after falling into playoff contention.
Brahim Diaz, who assisted Mbappe's opening goal, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. "It was a great game, and we're happy that it was Real Madrid who took it," he stated. "We came here with confidence. This team has a lot to give, and we're going to give much more."


Following a successful previous season that saw them win LaLiga and the Champions League, Real Madrid has faced challenges in their title defense. They had lost three of their last four continental matches before facing a strong Atalanta side, which had previously only conceded one goal.

Mbappe's performance was noteworthy, forcing Atalanta's keeper Marco Carnesecchi into several early saves before scoring. He controlled a pass from Diaz brilliantly before striking low into the net.

Things took a turn when Mbappe left the pitch in the 35th minute due to a suspected muscle injury, replaced by Rodrygo. After Antonio Ruediger missed a close-range chance, De Ketelaere equalized for Atalanta with a powerful shot. Just as Atalanta began to assert themselves, Vinicius Jr. capitalized on a rebound to score.


Bellingham's goal made it 3-1, but Lookman's effort brought Atalanta closer. Courtois's crucial saves from Raoul Bellanova, Mateo Retegui, Matteo Ruggeri, and Lazar Samardzic ensured Real Madrid held on for the win.