What a match in Italy – defense, midfield and attacking line – everything was on point on Wednesday night. There was only one winner – Real Madrid.
Zidane’s target in Italy
As you may know, Real Madrid has serious problems with the squad. Half of the starting line-up squad is injured. In the defense, Real Madrid has serious problems. Sergio Ramos (captain) is injured and will be back in next few weeks. He may miss the next game of the Champions League (at home-stadium). Along with Ramos, Militao, Carvajal and Marcelo are also injured. In the attacking line Real Madrid can’t get any help from Hazard, Benzema, Valverde and Rodrygo.
In the absence of main players, Real Madrid played with a very interesting formation. Instead of playing with the main striker, Zidane used false nine. Isco played as a false nine and it was good enough for the first half. Spanish midfielder was helping not only Vini and Asensio’s duo but also the deep midfield. Kroos, Modric and Casemiro were playing from the deep.
Red Card and late goal – drama in Bergamo
Italian players were very aggressive from the start. They wanted to score an early goal but could not make a serious impact. In just 10 minutes, Real Madrid demonstrated the skills and dominated the midfield. In the 17th minute, Mendy got an assist from Vinicius Junior and could score a goal. The defender, Freuler was fouled by Mendy and French player could not make a shot. Referee sent off Freuler from the pitch and Bergamo-based team’s coach was not happy. After the game, the coach noted that Freuler could get a yellow card. Real Madrid increased the pressure on the defensive line of Atalanta. Italian club could not save the 0-0 result and in the end, they conceded a goal from Mendy himself.