Atalanta 2-3 Real Madrid: Los Blancos survive late scare to claim vital away win

Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all scored in the same match for the first time as Real Madrid secured a crucial three points by beating Atalanta BC 3-2 in the Champions League this evening.

Los Blancos started the night just inside the knockout places in 24th, after a dismal start by their lofty standards, and earned just their third win of the league phase in a very tense encounter with the Serie A leaders.

Mbappe looked lively early on, testing Atalanta keeper Marco Carnesecchi, before giving Carlo Ancelotti's side the lead inside 10 minutes with a clinical finish, but he was then forced off with injury later in the opening period.

Aurelien Tchouameni's rash foul on Sead Kolasinac saw Atalanta equalise from the spot thanks to the in-form Charles De Ketelaere, but a quick-fire second-half double from Vini Jr and Bellingham seemed to put the game beyond Gian Piero Gasperini's men.

However, within five minutes, Ademola Lookman dragged La Dea back into the game again, making it 3-2 with over 25 minutes remaining, but despite heavy pressure on Thibaut Courtois's goal the hosts could not find a dramatic leveller late on, with Mateo Retegui missing a glaring open goal in the final minute of injury time.

That sees Atalanta's nine-game winning run come to an end, and it is also the first time since mid-September that they have suffered defeat in any competition.

Atalanta drop out of the top eight with tonight's defeat, seeing Bayern Munich, Brest and Aston Villa all overtake them, while Real Madrid are up to 17th with nine points from their six games so far, but those placing are set to change following Wednesday's fixtures.

MAN OF THE MATCH - JUDE BELLINGHAM

After going 12 games without a goal in the Champions League, Bellingham looked back to the player he was early last season, influencing play in all areas of the pitch, and his superb footwork ultimately led to the third and all-important goal for a crucial Real win.

ATALANTA VS. REAL MADRID MATCH STATS

Possession: Atalanta 55%-45% Real Madrid
Shots: Atalanta 20-10 Real Madrid
Shots on target: Atalanta 9-6 Real Madrid
Corners: Atalanta 5-2 Real Madrid
Fouls: Atalanta 15-13 Real Madrid