Real Madrid: 5 burning questions from the 1-0 win over Atalanta

Is Ferland Mendy improving offensively for Real Madrid?

Madridistas have greatly appreciated everything Ferland Mendy has brought to the table since joining from Lyon in the 2019 summer transfer window. Although some fans were skeptical about paying 50 million euros for Mendy instead of sticking with Sergio Reguilon, the current starting left back has been worth every penny in the eyes of most fans, especially since his defensive work is indispensable. He even shined as a left-sided center back in a back three when Los Blancos beat Getafe 2-0.

On Wednesday night in Bergamo, Mendy scored again, with this effort being the finest of his career, even above his net-scorching strike last summer in a win over Granada.

If there has been one major criticism of Mendy, then it has been regarding his attacking contributions. Sometimes, he’ll have a heavy first touch, and his deliveries into the box have often left a lot to be desired.

But in this Champions League Round of 16 game, Mendy showed a ton of technical quality with that curled effort using his weaker foot. It was a clutch, outside-the-box goal when Real Madrid desperately needed a moment of magic to find the back of the net against a disciplined, hard-working, and underrated Atalanta defense.

One goal does not necessarily mean Mendy is breaking out offensively. But two in the span of a few matches? Madridistas should be intrigued to see if Zinedine Zidane takes greater advantage of the left back’s scoring.