In a pulsating Champions League clash, Atalanta put up a valiant effort but ultimately succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid at home. The match was a stark contrast to their previous encounter in the UEFA Super Cup, reflecting the significant changes both teams have undergone since then.
Atalanta entered the game in fine form, having won their last nine Serie A matches and maintaining an unbeaten record in the Champions League. Real Madrid, on the other hand, came in under pressure, with manager Carlo Ancelotti facing scrutiny after losing three of their five games in the tournament.
The scoring opened early when Kylian Mbappé, assisted by Brahim Diaz, skillfully evaded Marten de Roon to find the bottom corner. This marked only the second goal Atalanta had conceded in the competition this season.
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The match maintained its intensity with end-to-end action. Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere threatened for Atalanta, while Real Madrid’s defense, particularly Antonio Rudiger, made crucial interventions.
A turning point came when Mbappé was forced off with an injury after just 36 minutes. However, Atalanta equalized before halftime through a De Ketelaere penalty, awarded after Tchaouameni fouled Sead Kolasinac.
Real Madrid regained the lead in the second half through Vinicius Junior, capitalizing on a fortunate deflection. Jude Bellingham extended their advantage with a brilliant individual effort, curling a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Atalanta refused to concede defeat, with Lookman reducing the deficit to 3-2. The home side pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, with Mateo Retegui coming agonizingly close in the final moments, missing from close range.
**Goals**: 10′ Mbappé (R), 46′ De Ketelaere (A), 56′ Vinicius (R), 58′ Bellingham (R), 65′ Lookman (A)
**ATALANTA (3-4-1-2):** Carnesecchi; Djimsiti (74′ Koussounou), Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova (74′ Zappacosta), De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri (’87’ Zaniolo); Pasalic (57′ Samardzic); Lookman, De Ketelaere (74′ Retegui)
**REAL MADRID (4-3-1-2):** Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Brahim Diaz (’84 Raul Asencio), Valverde, Ceballos (’84 Modric); Bellingham (’87’ Arda Guler); Mbappé (36′ Rodrygo), Vinicius.