Real Madrid got their faltering Champions League season back up and running as superstars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all scored in a thrilling 3-2 win at Italian league leaders Atalanta.
Madrid had to ride their luck as Mateo Retegui fired over from in front of goal in stoppage time when handed a golden chance to level the game.
Just their third win in the competition’s revamped league phase leaves the 15-time champions in the unseeded playoff positions in 18th place.
Paris Saint-Germain also picked up a much-needed win, beating Salzburg 3-0 to sit in the last playoff spot in 24th place.
Bayer Leverkusen are up to second after a 1-0 win over Inter Milan, while Bayern Munich routed Shakhtar 5-1.
Mbappe scores but is injured
50 Champions League goals for Kylian Mbappé 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/3Gk6tnfxv1
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 10, 2024
Mbappe has been inconsistent since his big summer move to Real but his goal was vintage stuff, turning his man and flashing in a shot in one movement.
He also showed his trademark pace to run clear and have a powerful shot beaten away but then went down with an injury and limped off before the break.
Vinicius was alert to pounce on a loose ball and steer in after Atalanta had levelled from the spot and Bellingham scored a fine goal too; powering over the top to reach a long pass, before cutting inside and steering in.
