- Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League, overcoming an early injury to Kylian Mbappé
- Jude Bellingham’s decisive second-half goal and Vinícius Júnior's return from injury powered Madrid to a crucial win, while Ademola Lookman impressed with a goal for Atalanta
- Despite late drama, Atalanta missed a golden chance to equalise, while Madrid avoided a third consecutive Champions League loss in their title defence
Spanish giants Real Madrid reignited their UEFA Champions League campaign hopes with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta, overcoming an early injury to star forward Kylian Mbappé.
In a dramatic game at Gewiss Stadium, the defending champions showed grit and class to secure vital points in the group stage. Mbappé gave Madrid the early advantage, scoring a brilliant goal in the 10th minute to hand Real Madrid a dream start.
However, the joy was short-lived as the French superstar limped off with an injury midway through the first half, leaving Madrid without one of their key attacking outlets. Atalanta capitalised on Madrid’s sudden loss, equalising just before halftime through a Charles De Ketelaere penalty after a controversial handball decision.
In the second half, Real Madrid’s attacking prowess came back to life. Vinícius Júnior, making his return from injury, restored Madrid’s lead with a lucky strike following a deflection. Moments later, Jude Bellingham scored what turned out to be the decisive goal to make it 3-1. The English midfielder’s impact continues to prove him as one of the Galacticos’ most influential players this season.
Atalanta, who entered the game unbeaten in their Champions League campaign and on the back of nine consecutive wins in all competitions, refused to back down. Nigerian international Ademola Lookman narrowed the deficit with a well-taken goal, reigniting hopes for the home side.
Lookman’s creativity nearly earned Atalanta a dramatic equaliser in injury time, but substitute Mateo Retegui squandered the golden opportunity, blasting over from six yards out.
The victory marked a significant turnaround for Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti’s men climbed to nine points in the group, just two behind Atalanta, keeping their hopes alive for a top-eight finish.
In his post-match remarks, Ancelotti praised his team’s tactical adaptability,
“It was a complete performance. We suffered but created numerous chances, Atalanta played with great intensity, and we had to match that. Our pressing all over the pitch was crucial in keeping them away from our final third.”
With this gritty win, Real Madrid proved they are still in the race to be this season’s European champion, Atalanta, meanwhile, will rue their missed chances but remain in a strong position to advance from the group stage.
Lookman shares his next milestone after Ballon d'Or nomination
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, one of Nigeria’s biggest football talents, had set new goals after being nominated for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or and CAF Men's Player of the Year awards.
The Atalanta BC star has declared his ambition to lead Nigeria to the AFCON 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, building on his recent successes with both his club and national teams.
