Clinical Madrid Overcome Atalanta in Champions League Showdown
Karim Benzema continued his red-hot form with a fifth consecutive goalscoring appearance as Real Madrid comfortably dispatched Atalanta 3-1 (4-1 on aggregate) to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Spanish giants showcased their European pedigree at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, with captain Sergio Ramos and substitute Marco Asensio adding to Benzema’s opener in a performance that blended tactical discipline with moments of individual brilliance.
Tactical Breakdown: How Zidane’s Men Controlled the Game
With Casemiro suspended, Zinedine Zidane reshuffled his midfield, bringing in veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to provide control against Atalanta’s energetic press. The decision proved masterful as the Croatian-German axis dictated tempo throughout the match.
Atalanta started brightly, with Robin Gosens wasting a golden opportunity in the 12th minute when he failed to properly connect with Luis Muriel’s dangerous cross. Former Manchester City striker Duvan Zapata also looked threatening early on, but Madrid’s defensive organization, marshaled by the returning Ramos, gradually nullified Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking schemes.
Key Moments That Shaped the Match
The turning point came in the 34th minute when Atalanta keeper Marco Sportiello’s poor clearance fell straight to Modric. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner showed incredible awareness to immediately feed Benzema, who made no mistake with a first-time finish for his 70th Champions League goal – moving him fifth on the all-time scorers list.
“Benzema’s movement in the box is second to none right now,” noted Babu88 football analyst James Wilkinson. “His ability to find space between defenders makes him Madrid’s most reliable attacking outlet this season.”
Ramos Leadership and Asensio Impact Seal the Deal
After Vinícius Júnior won a controversial penalty (with contact appearing just outside the box), Ramos stepped up to emphatically convert in the 60th minute, effectively killing the tie. The captain’s leadership and set-piece threat remain invaluable assets for Los Blancos in Europe.
Muriel’s exquisite 83rd-minute free-kick provided brief consolation for the visitors, but substitute Asensio responded immediately with a precise finish to complete the scoring and underline Madrid’s squad depth.
By the Numbers: Madrid’s European Dominance Continues
- 36 quarter-final appearances – a Champions League record (6 more than Bayern Munich)
- 26 wins against Italian opposition – second only to Barcelona’s record vs English teams
- 70 Champions League goals for Benzema – 5th all-time behind only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski and Raúl
- 15+ – Benzema has scored at least 15 more goals than any other Madrid player this season
What’s Next for the Champions League Contenders?
With the quarter-final draw approaching, Babu88 sources suggest Madrid will be hoping to avoid fellow Spanish giants Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in the next round. Their next challenge comes in La Liga against Celta Vigo, where Zidane may rotate his squad with the title race heating up.
For Atalanta, this defeat ends another impressive European campaign that saw them emerge as one of Serie A’s most exciting teams. Gasperini’s men will look to bounce back against Hellas Verona as they chase a top-four finish domestically.
Who do you think will win this year’s Champions League? Can Benzema maintain his incredible form? Share your thoughts with the Babu88 community below!
