The whispers of Real Madrid's Champions League downfall, it seems, were greatly exaggerated. The same can be said about the doubts surrounding Kylian Mbappé's fit with Carlo Ancelotti's team, especially after his decisive opening goal. However, his subsequent injury departure leaves those questions unresolved. This match was a thrilling rollercoaster ride, with momentum shifting multiple times, leaving an impression that these teams might cross paths again with higher stakes on the line. Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham secured a victory that puts Real Madrid back in the race for an automatic knockout spot. Meanwhile, Atalanta, who responded through a Charles De Ketelaere penalty and Ademola Lookman, would have deserved a draw and won't be too disheartened by their first defeat in two and a half months.
From the start, the ingredients for a classic group-stage encounter were evident; this kind of matchup could lend extra credibility to the tournament's new format. Real Madrid wasn't supposed to struggle in a format where failure is unthinkable. In contrast, their hosts had been cruising, leading Serie A with a streak of 12 wins and two draws since late September. Atalanta, the provincial club that could, are Europa League champions showing no signs of stopping. It turned out Mbappé wasn't fazed by the new order. His inconsistent form has sparked intense debate, with a missed penalty at Anfield not helping his cause. Ancelotti suggested a lack of confidence as one reason. Within two minutes, Mbappé found space on the right side of the penalty area, and it seemed his manager's judgment was sound when Marco Carnesecchi made the save.
Mbappé had scored from a similar position against Girona over the weekend. Here, he appeared focused, his eyes gleaming at the space behind the defense. When his second chance came, he executed it with the ease and flair that define football's elite. It started with some clever footwork by Brahim Díaz and a precise pass, but it was Mbappé's presence of mind to let the ball roll past Marten de Roon that created the opening. He then swiftly addressed the goal, firing unstoppably to Carnesecchi's right, reigniting Real's hopes of an easier path forward. In the 14th minute, Mbappé raced clear again, his self-belief now unshakable, and shot early. Carnesecchi deflected his effort, setting the stage for a night of high drama. However, just over 20 minutes later, Mbappé's night was over: he sat down beside the center circle, apparently having injured his right foot, and walked off to be replaced by Rodrygo.
Had he done enough? Atalanta had threatened without creating a clear chance, with Antonio Rudiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni making crucial blocks. Rudiger, in particular, disrupted De Ketelaere enough to allow Thibaut Courtois to make a save. Despite their intent, an equalizer didn't seem imminent as halftime approached. Then Sead Kolasinac, typically aggressive, burst into the box and fell under Tchouaméni's challenge. The defender made enough contact before the Bosnian tripped over his own heel. De Ketelaere didn't hesitate: he smashed the penalty past Courtois, putting Real in trouble again. They needed more from Bellingham, who had been quiet except for a volleyed cross that Rüdiger might have converted, and they would get it soon.
First, there was a storm to weather: Atalanta, buoyed by their passionate Curva Nord, had the wind at their backs. De Ketelaere headed wide, and then Lookman, foreshadowing his later impact, forced Courtois to parry at his near post. Real looked dulled by Mbappé's exit. Chances had dried up before Ederson, inadvertently playing Atalanta into trouble after a Real move broke down, gave Vinícius his first real chance of the night. He coolly converted it, clipping it low to Carnesecchi's left, and Real seemed to rediscover their traditional ability to escape tight spots. That sense was quickly reinforced. Bellingham had plenty to do when sent one-on-one with Isak Hein along the inside-right channel, shown inside, and had to beat Carnesecchi with his left foot. He did so with a low, curving shot that seemed to seal Real's night.
Atalanta rarely find themselves in this position and quickly responded. Moments after Raoul Bellanova energized them with a save from Courtois from 20 yards, Lookman tricked inside and this time drilled into the corner. Lookman had scored a late winner against AC Milan here on Friday; his side never goes quietly into the night. Chances came and went at both ends. Atalanta piled on the pressure, the last of their openings coming when Mateo Retegui volleyed over from point-blank range at the death. They were cheered off, but Real had once again come good when it mattered most.
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