Atalanta BC faced off against Real Madrid at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy in a thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter on December 10, 2024.
The match ended in a narrow 3-2 victory for Real Madrid, but it was a game that showcased the competitive spirit and quality of both teams.
Ademola Lookman, who was named Man of the Match despite Atalanta's defeat, expressed his pride in the team's performance. "We showed we can compete against a team full of champions," Lookman stated after the match.
He emphasized the importance of the game for Atalanta's growth, noting that while there were moments they could have improved, the team stood up to Real Madrid, which is massive for their development.
The match began with Real Madrid taking an early lead through Kylian Mbappe, who scored in the 10th minute with a low strike from inside the box. This goal marked Mbappe's second in the Champions League for Real Madrid, following his opener against Stuttgart in mid-September. However, Mbappe's night was cut short due to a muscle injury, forcing him to leave the field in the 35th minute.
Atalanta responded with resilience, and just before halftime, Charles De Ketelaere equalized from the penalty spot after Aurelien Tchouameni tripped Sead Kolasinac. The penalty was expertly converted, leveling the score at 1-1 as the teams headed into the break.
In the second half, Real Madrid regained their lead when Vinicius Jr capitalized on a rebound in the 56th minute. Jude Bellingham extended the advantage shortly after, scoring a crucial third goal for the visitors. Despite trailing 3-1, Atalanta refused to back down. Ademola Lookman reduced the deficit with a well-taken goal in the 65th minute, keeping the hosts in contention.
Lookman's performance was a highlight for Atalanta, as he consistently posed a threat to the Real Madrid defense. His ability to create space and take on defenders was evident throughout the match.
"We created chances, there are a lot of positives to take from the performance, but also a lot of things we can learn," Lookman reflected. He acknowledged the disappointment of the result but maintained that the team could hold their heads high.
Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, played a pivotal role in securing the victory, making several crucial saves to deny Atalanta's attempts to equalize. His efforts ensured that Real Madrid held on to their lead, despite the relentless pressure from the home side.
The win was vital for Real Madrid, who had been struggling in their European campaign, having lost three of their previous four matches. With this victory, they moved to 18th place in the 36-team table, with nine points, three points shy of the top eight spots that guarantee direct qualification to the last 16. Atalanta, on the other hand, slipped to ninth place with 11 points, still within the playoff positions.
Brahim Diaz, who assisted Mbappe's opening goal, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. "We came here with confidence and for the players, these games are to show that we are made to play for a club like Real Madrid," Diaz said. He highlighted the importance of taking each game as it comes, with the aim of finishing the group stage strongly.
Despite the loss, Atalanta's display against the reigning Champions League holders was commendable. The team demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level, and Lookman's words encapsulated the sentiment within the squad: "We are disappointed with the result because we felt we could have done more, but there is also pride. We showed that we can compete."
Comments