Watch: Ferland Mendy puts Real Madrid ahead at Atalanta

Real Madrid travelled to Italy this evening to face Atalanta in the last 16 first leg of the Champions League. Los Blancos won their group in the previous phase of the competition, finishing two points clear of both Borussia Monchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk and four points clear of Inter.

Madrid’s form has improved after a shaky start to the season. They’ve won four straight in La Liga and now sit on the shoulder of league leaders Atletico Madrid, just three points behind.

Atalanta sit fifth in Serie A, ten points off league leaders Inter. They came through a Champions League group including Liverpool, Ajax and Midtjylland, finishing two points behind Liverpool, four clear of Ajax and nine clear of Midtjylland.

The game opened furiously in terms of incident. Remo Freuler was sent off for Atalanta early doors in a controversial decision, before Casemiro picked up a booking that will ensure he misses the second leg. Duvan Zapata, an important player for the Italians, also limped off injured. Madrid were unable to capitalise on their man advantage for most of the game, however, until Ferland Mendy scored a stunning goal inside the final five.

Tags Champions League Ferland Mendy La Liga Real Madrid
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