After the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, the pressure grew on Real Madrid and their UCL campaign. The defending champions had to salvage their flagging season by securing a win against Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta.

As usual on big European nights, the big guns came out.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side scored three goals against Atalanta, who had conceded just one goal in their last five Champions League games. Giasperini’s side came into this match on a 14-game unbeaten streak, winning each of their last nine games in all competitions.

Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham saw Madrid capitalize on their moments and claim an important win that moved them from 24th to 16th in the table. The attacking quartet of Brahim Diaz, Bellingham, Vini and Mbappe all contributed to the goals in this game.

Here are three standout players of the game

Jew Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has returned to his usual best form in the last few games and has repeatedly celebrated big moments for Los Blancos. The Englishman found the net in five of his last six games for Madrid and scored in each of his last four. His goal in Bergamo underlined his quality and his ability to run behind even without a strong striker presence.

He was ever-present on the pitch, acting as an outlet and helping Madrid escape pressure from Atalanta in their own half. His touches and close control helped Madrid retain possession under pressure. His defensive work rate and positioning also helped deal with Atalanta’s threat from Charles de Ketelaere.

Vinicius Jr

Vini Jr. accelerated his recovery process and returned 10 days ahead of schedule almost He was, as usual, the best on the pitch, scoring once and providing a great assist for Bellingham’s goal. He scored from the edge of the box with a neat finish and, along with Bellingham, was Madrid’s main trigger. His dynamic movements at the top, drifting to either side and dropping deep (aided by counter-moves) helped Madrid break through Atalanta’s defensive block.

Although there were moments where Vini’s lack of fitness was clear to see, his mere presence on the pitch turns this team into a much bigger attacking threat.

Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos has quietly emerged as an important part of Real Madrid’s midfield dynamic in recent games. The Spaniard’s all-action nature in the middle has helped restore balance in the midfield and help defensively. He was brilliant in this game, repeatedly recovering loose balls and helping the Vazquez deal with Ademola Lookman.

Ceballos’ energetic nature and ability to face challenges and win the ball aids Madrid’s pressing and also helps them cover territory. His passing was also sharp, completing 49 of his 51 pass attempts, helping Madrid circulate the ball better in their own half.