Carlo Ancelotti's side picked up a signature away win, with their big names delivering to get their European campaign back on track
Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe all got on the scoresheet and Real Madrid defended well to secure a 3-2 win at Atalanta in the Champions League. It was nervy at times for Los Blancos – and Carlo Ancelotti's injury woes mounted – but they showed enough on the night to take three points from a side that hasn't lost since September.
Mbappe was the main man early on. He saw an effort well denied early on, before opening the scoring with a delightful touch and finish. He could have bagged a second soon after, only to see his fizzing strike pushed away. But Los Blancos saw their influence on the game wane as it wore on. Mbappe's exit due to a non-contact injury did little to ease concerns.
And Atalanta worked their way back into the game. Charles De Ketelaere leveled things at the break from the spot after Aurelien Tchouameni gave away a silly penalty. Los Blancos retook the lead early in the second half, Vinicius Jr finding the bottom corner after a kind deflection gave him half a yard inside the box. They added a third in no time, Bellingham cutting inside before finishing with his weak foot.
But the home side refused to go quietly, Ademola Lookman beating Thibaut Courtois at his near post with a fine angled finish. Madrid dug in thereafter, holding off relentless Atalanta pressure to squeak out what was ultimately a nervy win – one that might just set their European campaign back on track.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Gewiss Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (6/10):
Could do nothing about either goal. Made a few important saves, too.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Scrappy as can be, and seemed to relish the battle with the lively Ademola Lookman – even if he lost it at times.
Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):
Gave away such a meaningless penalty, and didn't ever really look comfortable. He's really struggled this year.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Solid defensively, making blocks and dealing with the dangerous Charles De Ketelaere with aplomb.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Full of energy, and good in his one-on-ones.
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Dani Ceballos (6/10):
Sat in a defensive midfield position effectively. Kept it tidy and cut passing lanes at times, but he doesn't offer much in terms of ball progression.
Federico Valverde (6/10):
Lost track of the channel in the lead up to Atalanta's equaliser. Made a few silly fouls and lacked his usual edge – although some of his off-ball work was as wonderful as usual.
Jude Bellingham (9/10):
Absolutely everywhere throughout. Did his defensive work well, moved the ball, and created a few chances. Scored a brilliant third to cap it off.
Brahim Diaz (6/10):
A bit mixed. Some lovely touches and turns alleviated pressure, but he feels misused when he's so far from the goal.
Attack
Kylian Mbappe (8/10):
Seemed really up for it. Scored a wonderful goal. Had two denied, and then went off with an injury. Madrid will hope it's not too serious.
Vinicius Jr (7/10):
So-so on his return from injury. Looked a little rusty at times, and didn't always have his usual on ball-quality. But he scored a fantastic goal.
Subs & Manager
Rodrygo (5/10):
Replaced Mbappe after 30 minutes, and didn't impact the game much at all.
Luka Modric (N/A):
No time to make an impact. Surprised that he didn't come on earlier.
Raul Asencio (N/A):
Likewise given little time on the pitch.
Arda Guler (N/A):
Ditto, came on at the end.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Went with a very attacking setup, which mostly worked out, especially against an aggressive Atalanta press. He got goals from his big names, and a much-improved defensive showing. Job done.