Superstar trio on target as Real beats Atalanta

BERGAMO, Italy — Real Madrid's big stars turned on the style to revive the Spanish giant's faltering Champions League title defense on Tuesday.

Galacticos Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham all scored in a thrilling 3-2 win at Italian league leader Atalanta. But Madrid still had to ride its luck as Mateo Retegui fired over from in front of goal in stoppage time when handed a golden chance to level the game.

It was only Madrid's third win in the competition's revamped league phase and leaves the 15-time champion in the unseeded playoff positions in 18th place.

"It's a very important win. Not everyone wins here. We suffered and competed. In the Champions League, you have to suffer," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "It's still difficult to finish in the top eight, but we have two games left to earn points."

After three losses in its opening five games of the league phase, the pressure was mounting on Madrid.

Questions were also being asked of Mbappe after his uncertain start since his offseason move from PSG.But he produced a moment of class to fire Madrid 1-0 up after 10 minutes at Gewiss Stadium — controlling the ball with his left foot and then finishing low with his right.