Jude can’t stop scoring goals for Real Madrid against Atalanta! Blancos lose Kylian Mbappe to injury, but brilliant Bellingham leads them to a vital Champions League victory.

With the help of their big names, Carlo Ancelotti’s team secured a memorable victory away from home, reviving their European campaign.

In the Champions League, Real Madrid defeated Atalanta 3-2 because to strong defense and goals from Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe. Although Los Blancos’ injury problems worsened at times, they put on enough of a show that night to defeat a team that hasn’t lost since September and earn three points.

Early on, Mbappe was the star. He opened the score with a superb touch and finish after having an early attempt well rejected. Soon after, he had a chance to score a second, but his fizzing effort was deflected. But as the game progressed, Los Blancos’ impact on it diminished. Concerns were not allayed when Mbappe left the game due to a non-contact injury.

Additionally, Atalanta regained their position in the game. After Aurelien Tchouameni gave away a careless penalty, Charles De Ketelaere equalized the score from the penalty spot at halftime. Vinicius Jr. found the bottom corner after a nice deflection afforded him half a yard inside the box, giving Los Blancos the lead again early in the second half.They added a third in no time, Bellingham cutting inside before finishing with his weak foot.

Ademola Lookman, however, beat Thibaut Courtois at his near post with a brilliant angled finish, demonstrating that the home team would not go lightly. After that, Madrid pressed hard, fending off constant Atalanta pressure to pull off what turned out to be a nerve-wracking victory that might perhaps put their European campaign back on track.

Player ratings…

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.

Midfield

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.

Standings

Serie A

Pos	Team		P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	Atalanta		15	11	1	3	38	17	21	34	WWWWW
2	SSC Napoli		15	10	2	3	21	10	11	32	LWWDL
3	Inter		14	9	4	1	34	15	19	31	WWDWW
4	Fiorentina		14	9	4	1	28	10	18	31	WWWWW
5	Lazio		15	10	1	4	30	17	13	31	WLWWW

Head to head

CGL

Last 5 matches

ATA

2

Wins

0

Draws

3

Wins

• 7 Apr 2024Cagliari2-1Atalanta
• 24 Sept 2023Atalanta2-0Cagliari
• 6 Feb 2022Atalanta1-2Cagliari
• 6 Nov 2021Cagliari1-2Atalanta
• 14 Feb 2021Cagliari0-1Atalanta

5

Goals scored7Games over 2.5 goals3/5Both teams scored3/5

LaLiga

Pos	Team		P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	Barcelona		17	12	2	3	50	19	31	38	DWLDL
2	Real Madrid		16	11	3	2	34	13	21	36	WLWWW
3	Atletico Madrid		16	10	5	1	30	11	19	35	WWWWW
11	Real Betis		16	5	6	5	18	20	-2	21	DLLDD
12	Rayo Vallecano		15	5	4	6	15	16	-1	19	WLLLW
13	Sevilla		16	5	4	7	17	23	-6	19	LDWLL

Head to head

RAY

Last 5 matches

RMA

1

Win

2

Draws

2

Wins

• 18 Feb 2024Rayo Vallecano1-1Real Madrid
• 5 Nov 2023Real Madrid0-0Rayo Vallecano
• 24 May 2023Real Madrid2-1Rayo Vallecano
• 7 Nov 2022Rayo Vallecano3-2Real Madrid
• 26 Feb 2022Rayo Vallecano0-1Real Madrid

5

Goals scored 6 Games over 2.5 goals2/5Both teams scored3/5