It turns out that the rumors about Real Madrid’s failure in the Champions League were exaggerated. So I had suggestions as to whether Kylian Mbappé would be a bad fit in Carlo Ancelotti’s side when a clear opener can be expected, even if his eventual departure through injury means the question marks will remain. This was, above all, a vibrant affair that spun in many directions and ended with a feeling that the two sides could meet again with more at stake. Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham secured a win that puts Real back in contention for an automatic knockout place, but Atalanta, who responded with a penalty from Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman, deserved and will deserve a point not to worry about their first defeat in two games and a half months.

The makings of a league classic were there from the start; It was the kind of encounter that could give the new edition of this tournament an extra shot of credibility. Real shouldn’t have had it so difficult in a format that makes failure unthinkable. In contrast, things went easily for the hosts, leaders of Serie A, who had a series of twelve wins and two draws since the end of September. Atalanta is the provincial club that could: Europa League champions who show no signs of considering this once impossible feat as their limit.

It turned out that Mbappé was not moved by the thoughts of a new order. His inconsistent form has been the subject of heated debate, with a missed penalty at Anfield doing little to help and prompting Ancelotti to cite a lack of confidence as one explanation. Within two minutes he found space on the right side of the penalty area and it was tempting to trust his manager’s judgment when Marco Carnesecchi was allowed to parry the ball.

Mbappé scored from a similar position against Girona at the weekend. He seemed focused here, his eyes beaming at the space beyond. When his second chance presented itself, it was executed with the ease and confidence that characterize football’s aliens. The result was Brahim Díaz’s deft footwork coupled with a great pass, but it was the presence of mind to let the ball run over Marten de Roon that allowed Mbappé to open the scoring. Now he was on target in no time, firing unstoppably to Carnesecchi’s right and raising Real’s hopes of an easier run.

In the 14th minute, Mbappé asserted himself again and shot early as confidence was no longer an issue. Carnesecchi saved his attempt and it seemed as if the headline duel of the evening was decided. But just over 20 minutes later, Mbappé’s race was over: he sat down next to the center circle after apparently injuring his right foot and left to be replaced by Rodrygo.

Had he already done enough? Atalanta had threatened without creating a clear chance as Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélian Tchouaméni fended off last-ditch attempts. Rüdiger in particular distracted De Ketelaere enough for Thibaut Courtois to parry. There was nothing wrong with their intent, but as half-time approached, an equalizer hardly seemed inevitable.

Then Sead Kolasinac, typically violent, stormed into the penalty area and caught the attention of Tchouaméni. The defender had enough contact before the Bosnian cut his heel. De Ketelaere was in no mood to argue about anything: the penalty was beaten past Courtois and Real found themselves in trouble again.

They needed more from Bellingham, who was on the edge beyond a volley cross converted by Rüdiger and would get it soon enough. First there was a storm: Atalanta had the wind in their sails in the face of a lively Curva Nord. De Ketelaere headed wide and Lookman forced Courtois into a save at the near post in a moment that foreshadowed his later involvement.

Real appeared disheartened by Mbappe’s departure. The chances had dried up before the otherwise excellent Ederson, who inadvertently caused Atalanta trouble after a Real move appeared to have failed, sniffed Vinicius for the first time of the evening. The ball was coolly converted, placed deep to the left by Carnesecchi, and Real seemed to have rediscovered their time-honored ability to get out of a difficult situation.

This feeling quickly intensified. Bellingham had a lot to do when he was sent down the inside-right channel one-on-one with Isak Hein and, as seen on the inside, had to beat Carnesecchi with his left foot. He duly obliged with a low, curling shot that appeared to have decorated Real’s evening.

Atalanta rarely finds itself in this area and quickly has an answer. Shortly after Raoul Bellanova revived them by denying Courtois from 20 meters, Lookman tricked inside and this time drilled into the corner. Lookman scored a late winner against AC Milan here on Friday; his side never goes quietly into the night.

Opportunities came and went on both sides. Atalanta increased the pressure and the last chance came when Mateo Retegui volleyed the ball over the goal from close range. They were applauded, but when it mattered most, Real were good again.