Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from a nail-biting win over Atalanta

Real Madrid received a gift early in the match when Remo Freuler was given a red card under dubious circumstances for bringing down left back Ferland Mendy. But Los Blancos, frustratingly, could not create enough good chances despite having a man advantage against Atalanta.

The team even subbed out the starting trio of Vinicius Junior, Isco, and Marco Asensio for Mariano Diaz, Hugo Duro, and Sergio Arribas. But in the end, it wasn’t a forward or even a set piece that gave Real Madrid the winning goal in the 1-0 victory at the Gewiss Stadium.

No, it was the right foot of that same left back, Ferland Mendy.

Here are the takeaways from a match that was too close for comfort.

Ferland Mendy saves the day

Yes, we will lead with the 25-year-old French defender, whose goal was truly a work of art. Mendy has stepped up a lot recently in the attack, having scored a few La Liga fixtures ago against Getafe with a clever run into the box.

His goal at Atalanta was, of course, even better. Mendy was outside the box and let fly with his weaker foot, which I’m sure was a moment of “don’t shoot!” for some Madridistas. But they were glad Mendy decided to have a go in a game in which Atalanta’s defense was frustrating Real’s anemic attack.

Mendy’s shot curled perfectly around Pierluigi Gollini and nestled into the far corner of the net, giving Real Madrid the away goal they so desperately needed. Talk about rising to the occasion.