Mendy’s strike four minutes from time was enough as Real Madrid beat 10 men Atlanta 1-0 at the Gewiss Stadium in Italy on Wednesday.
Atlanta’s Freuler was brandished a red card early in the first half to bring Atlanta down to 10 men in the 17th minute as he brought down Mendy denying him a scoring opportunity.
Mendy cashed in late and made it 1-0 in the 86th minute after curling a wonderful effort from outside the box into the bottom right corner from Modric’s pass to break Atlanta’s resistance and hearts.
The chances were few and far between for both sides as none could get a strong hold of the game but eventually it was Real Madrid who broke the deadlock and sealed victory.
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Zidane knows that his side should have worked harder to kill off the tie but he will not mind a slender advantage going into the 2nd leg.
Atlanta did not muster a single shot on target but their refusal to bow out without a fight is what will them and Gasperini the much needed confidence going into the 2nd leg.
