Real Madrid have secured a place in quarterfinals of UEFA Champions League after a 3-1 win over Atalanta on Tuesday that completed a 4-1 aggregate victory.
It would be recalled that Madrid were 1-0 winners in the first leg tie in Italy. In the second leg, Karim Benzema opened the scoresheet, scoring his sixth goal in five games in all competitions for Real Madrid as they booked a place in friday’s knock out draw.
Benzema (21) has scored at least 15 more goals than any other Real Madrid player in all competitions this season (Casemiro, 6), with his opener his 70th UEFA Champions League goal – the fifth most of any player in the competition.
With the win, Real Madrid have now progressed to their 36th quarter-final in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League – at least six more times than any other side (Bayern Munich – 30).
With Casemiro suspended, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos came back into the Real Madrid side, as Isco was dropped to the bench.
Meanwhile, Atalanta goalkeeper, Marco Sportiello made a horrible clearance, which fell to to the path of Modric. The Croatian chased the ball down before cutting a pass back for Benzema to fire the La Liga giants in front.
Real Madrid winger, Vinicius took possession from Atalanta midfielder, Ruslan Malinovskyi in the second half and charged forward before being tripped by Rafael Toloi in the penalty area.
Although contact looked to have been just outside the area, Dutch referee, Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot and Madrid’s captain, Sergio Ramos powered in the resulting penalty in, doubling his side’s lead.
In the 83rd minute, Atalanta forward, Luis Muriel clipped a well-worked 25-yard free-kick up over Real Madrid wall into the top corner of Thibaut Courtois‘ net.
Then, Real Madrid substitute, Marco Asensio restored the La Liga Champion’s two-goal lead. He drilled the ball into the bottom corner after being picked out by Lucas Vazquez.
Meanwhile, Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw will take place from 12pm on Friday, March 19.
