With their position in the UEFA Champions League still fragile, Real Madrid entered Tuesday’s clash against Atalanta on Matchday 6 needing a strong result. A victory would significantly boost their chances of advancing to the next stage. In the crucial early moments, Kylian Mbappe delivered, putting the Spanish giants ahead with a clinical finish.
Real Madrid had been struggling in the UEFA Champions League recently, having lost two of their first five group-stage matches. This left them in a precarious position, far from the direct qualification spots for the Round of 16 and at serious risk of missing out on the playoffs. As a result, Tuesday’s match against direct rival Atalanta was crucial for their progression in the competition.
Kylian Mbappe, too, had been under intense scrutiny. The French forward had faced heavy criticism from fans and analysts alike following some disappointing performances since his move to Spain. Mbappe’s struggles were highlighted last week when he missed two consecutive penalties—one against Liverpool and the other against Athletic Bilbao.
However, Kylian put those challenges behind him on Tuesday. In the 9th minute, he gave Real Madrid an early lead against Atalanta. Brahim Diaz received a pass from Lucas Vazquez and laid it off to Mbappe, who controlled the ball with his left foot, cut into the box, and fired a powerful shot past Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi to break the deadlock.
Mbappe’s joy was short-lived
Kylian Mbappe’s confidence appeared to be growing after he opened the scoring for Real Madrid early against Atalanta. However, his promising start was abruptly interrupted. After 35 minutes of play, Mbappe had to be substituted for Rodrygo due to a physical issue.
The images and the player’s reaction on the field raised concerns about the severity of the issue. While official statements from Real Madrid are still awaited, there are fears that the injury could sideline Mbappe not only for the upcoming La Liga matches but potentially for the Intercontinental Cup final, scheduled for December 18.
Mbappe’s numbers at Real Madrid
While Kylian Mbappe’s performances at Real Madrid have not quite matched the lofty expectations set by his incredible stint at Paris Saint-Germain and with the French national team, his numbers this season are far from disappointing.
Tuesday’s goal marked his second in the Champions League for Real Madrid (having scored on the opening matchday against Stuttgart), while in La Liga, he ranks as the fourth-highest scorer of the season with 9 goals. Additionally, he netted a goal in the European Super Cup against Atalanta. His statistics—12 goals in 22 appearances—reflect solid contributions to the team’s success.