Atalanta fell short despite a spirited effort as they suffered their first Champions League loss of the season, falling 3-2 to Real Madrid at the Stadio di Bergamo on Wednesday night.
Ademola Lookman, the standout performer for the Italian side, ignited hopes of a comeback with a brilliant second-half strike, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to overturn Madrid’s commanding lead.
The game began at a blistering pace, with Kylian Mbappé putting Madrid ahead in the 10th minute. Brahim Díaz found Mbappé with a perfectly weighted pass, and the Frenchman coolly finished into the bottom corner.
Atalanta grew into the game, with Lookman proving to be their most dangerous outlet. Their persistence paid off right before halftime when Mario Pašalić earned a penalty after being clipped by Aurélien Tchouaméni. Charles De Ketelaere converted the spot kick with an emphatic strike into the top corner to level the match at 1-1.
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However, Madrid regained control early in the second half. Vinícius Júnior restored the visitors’ lead in the 56th minute, slotting home after a fortunate deflection in Atalanta’s box. Just three minutes later, Jude Bellingham put Madrid further ahead, feinting his way into the box before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.
Lookman responded in the 65th minute with a superb finish. The Nigerian striker latched onto an inswinging cross from Lazar Samardžić, expertly creating space to fire past Thibaut Courtois at the near post.
Despite late substitutions from Gian Piero Gasperini, including the introduction of Davide Zappacosta and Mateo Retegui, Atalanta couldn’t find an equalizer. Madrid managed to see out the win, surviving a late surge from the hosts.
This result marks Atalanta’s first loss in the competition, leaving them eighth on the log with 11 points, while Madrid’s who lost their last two games to AC Milan and Liverpool are now up to 18th with nine points.
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