Real Madrid vs. Atalanta: 5 takeaways from a thoroughly impressive 3-1 win

Luka Modric in command

There were several impressive performances from Real Madrid players in this one, but nobody stood out more than Luka Modric. He bossed the midfield and played at an untouchable level in all aspects of the game. Atalanta looked powerless against the Croatian, who recorded 12 ball recoveries in the first half alone. Ridiculous.

Modric was all over the pitch and assisted the opening goal for Karim Benzema when he took advantage of Marco Sportiello’s ill-advised pass over the middle. Per WhoScored.com, Modric had three tackles, five interceptions, and a team-high 98 passes. Usually, Toni Kroos attempts the most passes, but, in this match, Modric took on the lead role in midfield. And again, he was marvelous. I hope fans around the world are gushing about this display vs. Atalanta.

Sergio Ramos brings a captain’s stability

Both Karim Benzema’s and Sergio Ramos’ returns from injury were huge reasons for optimism on the part of Madridistas, and the two leaders did not disappoint in the second leg. Benzema scored the opener, and Ramos was just as clinical from the spot to give Los Blancos a 2-0 lead.

But his goal should not overshadow his defensive contributions. Ramos was Real’s best defender in the back three, building on his official return from injury in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Elche. He had a couple of critical interventions in/around his own penalty box and never once looked perturbed. Ramos has never been knocked out of this competition while in the lineup since 2015, and he kept that streak going by leading by example on Tuesday night.