Kylian Mbappe marked his 50th Champions League goal as Real Madrid secured a vital 3-1 victory over Atalanta, with Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham also on the scoresheet.
Real Madrid have faced struggles in Europe this season, losing three of their first five games prior to Tuesday’s match in Italy. A win was crucial for improving their chances of advancing to the knockout stage, and they delivered a much-needed performance.
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Mbappe opened the scoring in the 10th minute, slipping past his defender to calmly finish. It was his 12th goal since joining Real Madrid in the summer. He could have doubled his tally later in the first half but saw his long-range shot saved.
However, the French forward suffered an injury nine minutes before halftime, and despite walking off the pitch, he was replaced by Rodrygo. Atalanta capitalized on the injury setback, equalizing just before the break when Charles De Ketelaere converted a penalty after Sead Kolasinac was fouled inside the box.
After the break, Real Madrid responded strongly. Vinicius Jr, returning from a hamstring injury, fired a precise shot into the bottom corner to restore the lead. Bellingham then sealed the victory, scoring his first Champions League goal of the season.
Atalanta briefly threatened when Ademola Lookman netted his 11th goal of the campaign with a near-post strike, but Real Madrid held firm to secure all three points.
The win moved Real Madrid to 18th in the 36-team standings, just three points off the top eight positions that qualify for the knockout rounds. Atalanta remain in ninth place with 11 points.
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