Real Madrid have qualified for the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the first time since 2018, after beating Atalanta 3:1 in a rematch and moving on to the next phase with a total score of 4:1 from the clash.
The Italian team played a decent match, but failed to take advantage of their opportunities, for which the main credit goes to the goalkeeper of the opponent Thibaut Courtois. The "Royal Club", on the other hand, being much more experienced in the tournament, played very smartly, and could even achieve a more expressive result.
Thus, the 13-time winner of the trophy continues to the next phase and will hope to walk the path to the end, adding an undisputed 14th cup of the competition. The draw for the quarterfinals will take place on Friday, March 19.
STARTING LINEUP Real: Courtois, Mendi, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Vazquez, Vinicius, Benzema Atalanta: Sportielo, Toloi, Maele, Gossens, De Roon, Romero, Malinowski, Jimcity, Pesina, Pashalic, Muriel
FIRST HALF
The match started at a very high speed, and the guests demonstrated the well-known press, high on the field. This led to an early chance, which came after some luck. Eventually, Gossens was kicked, but ended up right in Courtois.
Atalanta continued to play so fiercely and looked hard for the goal, but in the middle of the half the "royal club" began to feel an idea more comfortable on the field, to keep the ball longer and try to attack more often.
In the 27th minute came the clearest situation in the match, after Benzema and Vinicius exchanged a double pass very well, and after the last pass of the Frenchman Vinicius was in an excellent position, but slowed down too much and his shot was blocked.
34'-1: 0! A very blunder by Sportielo led to a goal for Real Madrid. He gave the ball to Luka Modric, who advanced and dropped the ball between the opposing players to find Benzema. The French striker reacted quickly and without delay fired to find the result.
SECOND HALF-TIME
At the beginning of the second half, the hosts were very close to doubling their lead in the result. Vinicius was brought out by Mandy, after which he showed great technique and passed several opposing players, but the moment he just had to direct the ball in the door, he shot out.
In the 58th minute Vinicius regained speed, stumbled by an opposing player right at the entrance to the penalty area. The referee awarded a penalty, and Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was hired with his performance, who did not make a mistake, although Sportielo caught the corner and played with the ball. 59 '- 2: 0!
In the 67th minute, the guests reached their best opportunity to score a goal. Malinowski made a phenomenal pass to Zapata, who was in a very good position behind the defense of the opposing team (but also in a regular position) and shot dangerously, but Courtois saved with his foot.
Just seconds later, Real responded appropriately. Benzema intercepted a cross with his head, and Sportielo saved. However, the ball returned to the attacker, who without preparation shot again with his head, and this time the ball bounced into the side post.
In the 76th minute, Zapata was again brought out against Courtois, and this time the situation was even clearer, as the striker had enough time to prepare for the shot and to beat the guard. Instead, the Belgian goalkeeper again reflected in a great way with his foot and kept the result the same.
83 2: 1! Atalanta reduced the score shortly before the end, after Muriel scored in a great way from a direct free kick. 85 3: 1! Seconds later, Real organized a lightning attack, which ended with a goal by Asensio. BEFORE THE DUEL
Real Madrid welcomes Atalanta in a rematch of the 1/8 finals of the Champions League. The alumni of Zinedine Zidane won the first match with 1: 0, but the Bergamas are a tough opponent who can bring a surprise at any moment.
Madrid have won 11 of their last 12 matches with Italian teams. However, Atalanta has five consecutive victories as a guest in the Champions League and hopes to continue the strong series in the most commercial club tournament. Since the 2006/07 season, at least 3 goals have been scored in over 65% of Real's 1/8 finals, which means that a spectacular match awaits us.
For Real Madrid, the injured Alvaro Odriosola, Dani Carvajal, Marcelo, Mariano Diaz and Eden Hazard missed the match. Kazemiro was punished. The guests from Bergamo have less problems, as Remo Froiler was penalized for the match after receiving a red card in the first match. Hans Hatebur, Viktor Kovalenko and Bosko Sutalo are injured.
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