Player ratings as Mbappe scores in much-needed victory

Real Madrid kept their slim hopes of automatic qualification from the Champions League league phase with a narrow 3-2 win over Atalanta on Tuesday.

A dominant first-half showing saw Madrid take a deserved lead through Kylian Mbappe, whose departure from injury before the interval changed the narrative of the game. Atalanta pounced on the uncertainty as Charles De Ketelaere scored a penalty with the final kick of the first half.

Vinicius Junior pounced on a fortunate deflection to restore Madrid’s advantage and Jude Bellingham scored soon after, but Atalanta slashed the deficit with Ademola Lookman’s fine strike from the edge of the box.

Atalanta had the momentum on their side and Lookman continued to torment Madrid’s makeshift defence, with the visitors forced to hold on and watch the clock tick down. Mario Retegui should have scored in the dying embers, volleying over from three yards out when it looked easier to score.

The final whistle was music to the ears of every Madrid fan. Three points takes them to within a further three of the automatic qualification spots, although that gap could be stretched slightly after Wednesday’s action.

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Sergio Mestre (GK), Jesus Vallejo, Youssef Enriquez, Chema Andres, Endrick

Player of the match – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

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