Real Madrid 2-0 Atalanta: 3 Key Questions Answered
Real Madrid secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium. Karim Benzema and Ferland Mendy scored the goals for Los Blancos, who were in complete control throughout the match.
This victory sets up a favorable position for Real Madrid going into the second leg in Bergamo. However, the match also threw up several interesting questions, which we'll explore in detail below:
1. Can Real Madrid Maintain This Momentum?
After a shaky start to the season, Real Madrid have found their form in recent weeks. They've now won their last four games in all competitions, including the impressive comeback win against Barcelona in El Clasico. This victory against Atalanta further consolidates their resurgence.
Maintaining this momentum is crucial for Real Madrid if they want to challenge for silverware this season. They have a packed schedule coming up, with important league matches and the second leg against Atalanta still to come. The squad's fitness and mental strength will be key to navigating this challenging period.
2. Will Atalanta Be Able to Turn Things Around?
Atalanta had a disappointing night in Madrid. They struggled to create any real chances and were completely dominated by Real Madrid's midfield. Their key players like Duván Zapata and Josip Iličić were largely ineffective, and they will need a significant improvement in the second leg.
The Italian side are still a dangerous team, especially at home, but they face a huge uphill task to turn things around. They will need to be much more aggressive and creative in their approach if they want to advance to the next round.
3. Can Real Madrid Win the Champions League Again?
This victory against Atalanta has further strengthened Real Madrid's position as a contender for the Champions League title. They are playing with confidence and solidity, and their experience in this competition is unparalleled.
However, there are still many strong teams left in the competition, including the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Liverpool. Real Madrid will need to maintain their current form and stay injury-free if they want to go all the way.
The second leg against Atalanta will provide a further indication of Real Madrid's potential. But for now, this victory is a positive step towards a successful Champions League campaign.
