'Never seen that': Fans go wild over 'gorgeous' free-kick routine
Atalanta may have been out of their depth against a solid Real Madrid outfit, but they were able to put on a show with a beautiful free-kick routine that came off perfectly in the Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Real Madrid had all but effectively ended the tie after a moment of magic from Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, before a Sergio Ramos goal in the second half.
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But Atalanta gave themselves a glimmer of hope with a new free-kick routine that had fans impressed.
In the 82nd minute, Muriel stepped up just to the right of the Real Madrid goal to line-up a shot.
But in a different routine than normal, Atalanta lined-up their own 'inverted' three-man wall in front of the ball.
This was presumably to obstruct the view of the keeper and Real Madrid defenders.
As Muriel approached to shoot his wall moved at the last second and ran towards the goal.
The technique put the Madrid players off and he whipped it into the top right corner past a largely unsighted Thibaut Courtois.
Fans were rightfully impressed with the 'clever' free-kick, which was one of those training ground routines that came off.
Wow what a free-kick. Atalanta get a consolation. Atalanta make a wall of their own in front of Real’s wall and Muriel puts away a brilliant free-kick. Too late though. Oh well, Asensio scored just while I was typing this. Real Madrid are through.
— SwayamCuler (@SwayamArora17) March 16, 2021
Now that’s one of the most well trained free kicks! You’ll ever see. Never seen that technique b4. Atalanta must hav really studied it
— Emmy Delucas (@EmmyDelucas) March 16, 2021
I have to further assess Atalanta's free kick formation.
That was uniquely strange.— Juan Carlos Pineda (@jczpineda) March 16, 2021
I have to further assess Atalanta's free kick formation.
That was uniquely strange.— Juan Carlos Pineda (@jczpineda) March 16, 2021
That Atalanta free kick routine!
— Roy Mustang (@Magnanimous__) March 16, 2021
The atalanta free kick set up was very clever
— Ehimhe (@scotziba) March 16, 2021
@JHenderson very clever free kick from Atalanta, men running towards the wall unsighted and distracted the keeper.
— Paul McCarthy (@pjpmccarthy) March 16, 2021
Unfortunately, Madrid scored only a few minutes later after Marco Asensio finished off a superb counter-attack to put the game to bed 3-1.
Modric's moment of 'sheer class'
Madrid were leading 1-0 heading into the second-leg tie against the Italian outfit, but were weary of Atalanta's prowess in front of goal.
But after enduring a fast-paced opening 15 minutes, Modric provided a moment of 'sheer class' after a keeper gaffe to hand Madrid the lead.
Atalanta keeper Marco Sportiello attempted to clear the ball, but hit it low.
But the Croatian midfield maestro produced a sensational touch after lifting his leg on an awkward angle to control the ball.
He then surged forward to bring out the keeper and the defender before squaring it to Benzema to slit it home.
The commentator described Modric's control as 'sheer class' in the lead up to the goal.
Fans were also full of superlatives for the 35-year-old maestro after his masterful performance alongside midfielder Toni Kroos.
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