In a gripping and intense UEFA Champions League encounter, Real Madrid managed to edge past Atalanta with a 3-2 victory at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy. The match was characterized by moments of brilliance, tactical battles, and a relentless fight for every ball.
Key Moments and Turning Points:
- Kylian Mbappe’s Early Goal (10′): The game kicked off with a bang as Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Real Madrid. With a sublime first touch, Mbappe breezed past Atalanta’s Marten De Roon and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, giving his team an early lead.
- Mbappe’s Injury (36′): The early momentum was disrupted when Mbappe had to be substituted off due to an injury. This forced Carlo Ancelotti to bring in Rodrygo, which slightly altered the dynamics of Madrid’s attack and allowed Atalanta to gain more control over the game.
- Charles De Ketelaere’s Penalty (45+2′): Just before half-time, Atalanta equalized through a penalty converted by Charles De Ketelaere. The penalty was awarded after Aurelien Tchouameni was adjudged to have fouled Sead Kolasinac, leveling the score and marking a significant shift in momentum in favor of the Italian side.
- Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham’s Quickfire Goals (56′, 59′): The second half saw Real Madrid regain their lead with two quick goals. Vinicius Junior, marking his return from injury, scored after a deflection fell into his path, and Jude Bellingham followed up with a goal just three minutes later. Bellingham’s goal involved him cutting inside and firing a shot beyond the goalkeeper, making it 3-1 for Madrid.
- Ademola Lookman’s Goal (65′): Atalanta refused to give up, and Ademola Lookman reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a fine angled finish past Thibaut Courtois at the near post. This goal sparked a late surge from Atalanta, putting Real Madrid’s defense under intense pressure as they sought the equalizer.
Tactical Analysis:
- Real Madrid’s Formation: Real Madrid started with a 4-3-3 formation, which allowed them to control the early phases of the game. The combination of Brahim Diaz and Mbappe was particularly effective, creating several scoring opportunities. However, after Mbappe’s injury, the team’s rhythm was disrupted, and Atalanta began to dominate possession.
- Atalanta’s Pressure: Atalanta employed a high-pressing strategy, which paid off as the game progressed. They managed to outshoot Real Madrid, especially in the second half, with Ademola Lookman causing significant problems down the left wing. Atalanta’s control over possession, particularly after the break, saw them outperform Madrid 57.5% to 42.5% in terms of possession and 0.84 to 0.35 in expected goals.
- Substitutions: The early substitution of Mbappe for Rodrygo affected Madrid’s flow, while Atalanta’s second-half changes aimed to exploit Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities. Despite these changes, it was Madrid’s star players who ultimately made the difference.
Performance of Star Players:
- Kylian Mbappe: Despite his early exit due to injury, Mbappe’s impact was immediate and crucial. His goal set the tone for the match, and his presence was missed after his departure.
- Vinicius Junior: Returning from injury, Vinicius Junior scored a vital goal that helped Madrid regain their lead. His performance was a highlight, showcasing his ability to make an impact even after a layoff.
- Jude Bellingham: Bellingham’s goal was a standout moment, demonstrating his clinical finishing skills. He, along with Vinicius Junior, was instrumental in securing the win for Madrid.
- Thibaut Courtois: The Real Madrid goalkeeper was the unlikely hero of the match, making seven crucial saves to deny Atalanta the equalizer. His performance was pivotal in securing the three points for Madrid.
Implications:
- Standings: The victory moves Real Madrid up to 18th in the Champions League standings, a crucial move given their previous struggles. Atalanta, meanwhile, slips to 9th after suffering their first defeat in the competition.
- Future Fixtures: Real Madrid’s next Champions League match is against Red Bull Salzburg on January 22, while they face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on December 14.
- Player Form: The match highlighted the importance of Madrid’s star players, with Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Bellingham all contributing significantly. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman also impressed, showcasing his skill and energy on the pitch.