It was a mature performance by Atalanta, but it wasn’t enough. Down to ten men since first half they came close to earning a potentially vital goalless draw, only for Mendy to break their hearts. Not having a single shot on target is of course a problem, though, and this result makes progression to the next round very hard now.
Real Madrid just somehow get the job done. They struggled at times, not to mention the goal was from a defender, but with an away goal and injured regulars to come back for the second leg, they are very much in the box seat.
Real Madrid left it late but in the end they managed to break down a stubborn Atalanta defence and take a crucial win back to Spain.
Atalanta, so often known for their famous attacking play, showed another side to themselves tonight and at 1-0, they will hope they can turn it around in Madrid in three weeks’ time.
