Kylian Mbappé Hits 50 as Real Edge Past Atalanta in Thriller

Kylian Mbappé scored his 50th Champions League goal as Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-2 win against Atalanta to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. The Spanish giants, who had lost three of their previous five group matches delivered a strong performance in Italy despite ongoing struggles in Europe this season. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a smart finish after outpacing his marker.

It marked his 12th goal since joining Real in the summer and his 50th in the Champions League making him the second-youngest to reach the milestone after Lionel Messi. However, Mbappé’s night was cut short nine minutes before halftime due to a hamstring issue and he was substituted for Rodrygo. Atalanta equalized on the stroke of halftime through Charles De Ketelaere’s penalty after a foul on Sead Kolašinac.

Real responded strongly in the second half with Vinícius Júnior netting a tidy finish on his return from injury and Jude Bellingham adding a third with his first Champions League goal of the season. Ademola Lookman pulled one back for Atalanta with a near-post strike but Real held firm under late pressure to claim a vital three points. The win moved Real up to 18th in the 36-team league, three points shy of the automatic qualification spots.

Atalanta remain ninth with 11 points. Despite the victory, Real face concerns over Kylian Mbappé’s fitness with coach Carlo Ancelotti confirming the forward experienced hamstring discomfort. Mbappé’s injury adds to Real’s mounting list of absentees which includes Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão and Eduardo Camavinga. Real fans will be hoping for a swift recovery as Mbappé has been a key contributor, despite some inconsistent form since leaving Paris Saint-Germain. His return will be crucial for Real’s European ambitions.