Real Madrid have secured their place in the Quarter-Final stages of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League following a 3-1 victory against Italian opposition, Atalanta. Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and Marco Asensio got onto the scoresheet for the Whites in a rather comfortable win at the Alfredo De Stefano Stadium in Madrid.
Atalanta did not seem to get their game plan right and poor mistakes cost them the match eventually. A howler from Sportiello in the first half was well capitalised on by Luka Modric and Karim Benzema. A second-half penalty sealed the tie for Madrid which was converted by Sergio Ramos.
Atalanta’s Muriel scored a stunning freekick from just outside the box after Varane conceded an unnecessary foul. Real Madrid responded in a hurry as Marco Asensio came off the bench and instantly got his name on the score sheet with a powerful finish from his left foot. Here’s how Real Madrid players are rated in their 3-1 win in the UEFA Champions League –
Real Madrid Player Ratings Against Atalanta
GK : Thibaut Courtois – 8/10
The Belgian was largely untested during the match but did make two absolutely vital saves in the second half. Courtois did not get enough of his gloves on the freekick that Muriel scored from and once again failed to secure a clean-sheet.
RWB : Lucas Vasquez – 8/10
An energetic performance from Lucas Vasquez who tirelessly ran up and down the length of the pitch. Vasquez’ spirited run in the 85th minute finally paid off when Marco Asensio scored from the full-back’s delicate pass.
CB : Raphael Varane – 8/10
A firm presence at the back for Madrid. Varane barely kept a foot wrong and went about his business with relative ease.
CB : Sergio Ramos – 8/10
Ramos was calm and composed in defence and made several key interventions and blocks during his 60 odd minutes of stay on the field of play. The captain scored from the penalty mark with a neatly tucked penalty towards the left bottom corner. Eder Militao came on to replace Ramos with Zidane’s men having a firm grip on the match.
CB : Nacho Fernandez – 7/10
Nacho was industrious down the left-hand side and gave the Atalanta attackers very little time and space on the ball. The La Fabrica graduate did get caught in possession a couple of times. A tidy display from Nacho overall.
LWB : Ferland Mendy – 7/10
Mendy had an amazing evening down the left-hand side. The defender made the most of the freedom he had in advanced areas of the pitch with a few dangerous deliveries into the box.
CM : Luka Modric – 8/10
An imposing performance from Modric in the centre of the field. Apart from Atalanta’s initial 15 minutes spell, Modric completely dominated proceedings. The Croatian wizard selflessly set up Karim Benzema for the Whites’ first goal of the night.
CM : Toni Kroos – 8/10
The German was right on top of his game and kept things ticking for Real Madrid. Kroos once again amassed astonishing figures in passing accuracy. Atalanta had a difficult time dealing with the midfielder.
CM : Federico Valverde – 8/10
The midfielder was an absolute joy to watch in midfield and barely made the absence of Casemiro noticeable. Valverde displayed great determination to win the aerial duels and kept things under check at all times. Marco Asensio was brought on to replace Valverde in the 82nd minute of the match.
ST : Vinicius Jr – 9/10
Just the perfect setup for Vinicius Jr with the Brazilian enjoying loads of possession in advanced areas of the pitch with Atalanta committing bodies forward in numbers. Vinicius won a crucial penalty which was tucked away by Sergio Ramos. Rodrygo was brought on to replace Vinicius in the second half.
ST : Karim Benzema – 9/10
Benzema scored the pivotal opening goal of the night from a Luka Modric assist. He even successfully attempted a dribble past three Atalanta defenders. The striker was heavily involved in proceedings at the Alfredo De Stefano Stadium as he dropped back to help out in the build-up to the attack.
Real Madrid Player Ratings Against Atalanta
Substitutes
CB : Eder Militao – 7/10
Militao had a satisfactory evening post his introduction around the hour mark. Militao came on to replace Sergio Ramos.
ST : Rodrygo – 7/10
Rodrygo made a couple of dangerous runs after coming on to replace Vinicius Jr. He even had a shot at goal which was fisted away by the goalie.
CM : Marco Asensio – 8/10
Took him only a minute on the field of play to get on the score-sheet and reinstate Real’s two-goal advantage on the night.
