Real Madrid have emerged victorious from their trip to Italy with a clinical 0-1 victory against Atalanta at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Stadium in the UEFA Champions League. Ferland Mendy scored from a curling effort from outside the box in the closing moments of the game to give Real Madrid the crucial lead in the tie. It’s also a vital away goal for Zidane’s troops.
Atalanta’s Remo Freuler was sent off in the 17th minute of the match as he brought down Ferland Mendy who seemed to be through on goal. The midfielder was deemed to be the last man standing by the referee and received his marching orders immediately.
Despite facing just 10 men for the majority of the match, Zidane’s team could only score once. Atalanta were defending deep and in numbers, and it seemed almost impossible to break them down. Eventually, it took a sensational effort from Mendy to save Real’s day. Here’s how an injury struck Real Madrid performed in their RO16 First Leg victory against Atalanta.
Real Madrid Player Ratings Against Atalanta
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 8/10
The Belgian only made a solitary save during the entire ninety minutes. Courtois would be delighted with his fourth consecutive clean sheet nevertheless.
RB: Lucas Vasquez – 7/10
Vasquez was industrious down the right-hand side. Vasquez almost operated as a winger for the entire match with Atalanta defending deep in their own half. The Spaniard put in a couple of dangerous crosses into the box which could have turned lethal for the hosts at the end of the day.
CB: Raphael Varane – 8/10
Varane put in a commanding performance in defence. The Frenchman led with example and marshalled his troops across the line at the end of the ninety minutes.
CB: Nacho Fernandez – 7/10
An assuring performance from Nacho who is filling in for the injured Sergio Ramos. The La Fabrica graduate was a strong presence in the Real Madrid backline.
LB: Ferland Mendy – 9/10
Ferland Mendy was the Player of the Match as he was heavily involved in the proceedings at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Stadium. The Frenchman’s run in the first half led to the red card to Atalanta’s Remo Freuler. Mendy then unexpectedly pulled the trigger in the 86th minute and took everyone by surprise with his curling effort that beat Gollini. Mendy’s goal has put Los Blancos in a driving position in the context of the two-legged tie.
CM: Luka Modric – 8/10
A special night from Luka Modric who was the lifeline of the team. Each time the Whites attack seemed to be coming to a halt, Modric found a way out and bailed his side. Modric assisted Ferland Mendy’s winning goal of the night.
CM: Casemiro – 8/10
The Brazilian will be missing the second leg of the match due to the yellow card he picked up in the first half. Casemiro had a marvellous night in Italy nevertheless.
CM: Toni Kroos – 8/10
Toni Kroos was absolutely sensational on the night. Real were up against a well oiled defensive unit and Toni Kroos made it look easy over the ninety minutes. Kroos put in a couple of dangerous balls into the box from set-pieces. The midfield ace’s out of the box thinking in the build-up to the late winner caught the hosts by surprise.
RW: Marco Asensio – 7/10
The Spaniard was lively during his stay at the pitch. Asensio had a couple of attempts at goal but could not find the back of the net before making way for Sergio Arribas in the second half.
ST: Isco – 8/10
Isco started in the number nine position and looked hungry for the ball throughout his stay at the pitch. One of the special nights from Isco after a very long time. Hugo Duro replaced Isco in the closing moments of the game.
LW: Vincius Jr – 7/10
Not the ideal night for Vinicius who could have done way better with the chances that came his way. Vinicius made way for Mariano in the second half.
Substitutions
ST: Mariano – 7/10
Mariano tried to get involved with play post his introduction and his presence inside the box certainly made Atalanta look a bit worried.
CM: Sergio Arribas – NA
ST: Hugo Duro – NA
