Real Madrid clinch a dominant win in Bergamo against Atalanta

Real Madrid triumphed in Bergamo against Atalanta, securing their third Champions League win. It was an exhilarating match with five goals and plenty of fast-paced action, but Madrid showcased their expertise in managing such encounters. The win came against a team that had been unbeaten in their last 14 games. Mbappé, who was substituted in the first half due to a minor injury, gave Madrid the lead with a brilliant goal. However, De Ketelaere equalized from the penalty spot just before the break. In the second half, Vini Jr. and Bellingham extended Madrid’s lead to 1-3, though Lookman pulled one back for Atalanta, and the Italians couldn’t breach Madrid’s defense again.

Madrid started strong at the Gewiss Stadium, quickly regaining possession with high pressing and building attacks intelligently. A Brahim-Mbappé combination created some early chances, with the first coming after just two minutes. A pass from Brahim sent Mbappé through, but his shot from a tight angle was saved by Atalanta’s Carnesecchi.

Mbappé opened the scoring eight minutes later, receiving the ball from Brahim just outside the box. His first touch took him past De Roon, and he finished clinically with a low shot into the bottom corner. The French forward, who now has 12 goals this season and 50 in the Champions League, nearly scored again shortly after when Valverde’s long ball sent him through, but his shot was superbly saved by Carnesecchi.

Mbappé then had to come off in the 36th minute, replaced by Rodrygo. Just before halftime, Atalanta equalized in stoppage time after Tchouameni fouled Kolasinac inside the box. De Ketelaere converted the penalty, making it 1-1 at the break. However, Madrid came out with intent in the second half, scoring twice within three minutes. The first came in the 56th minute when Vini Jr. pounced on a loose ball from Ederson to score across the keeper into the bottom corner. Moments later, Bellingham made it 3-1 with a well-executed goal, beating De Roon with a skillful move before firing into the net. The Englishman has now scored in six of his last seven matches.

The match continued at a frantic pace, with Atalanta pulling one back in the 65th minute through Lookman, making it 2-3. Ancelotti’s men had two chances to seal the win soon after. Brahim volleyed over the bar in the 70th minute after the keeper’s weak clearance, and Rodrygo’s deflected shot from the edge of the area was saved by Carnesecchi. Despite the pressure, Madrid held on to secure a crucial victory and three vital points.