BERGAMO, Italy: Ferland Mendy helped Real Madrid beat Atalanta 1-0 in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League.

The French left-back broke the deadlock four minutes before the end of the game at Bergamo where the hosts had to play 10 men almost 70 minutes after Remo Freuler was sent off for fouling Mendy.

Zinedine Zidane’s squad will host Atalanta in a rematch in Madrid on March 16.

Atalanta started fiercely but their rhythm stalled after Swizerland player Freuler was sent off as early as the 17th minute near the penalty box.

Spain midfielder Isco lined up for Real Madrid’s starting line-up, alongside Marco Asensio and Vinicius.

The 13-time European champions came down without striker Karim Benzema injured in the ankle, with Real’s injury list also involving Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal.

Real now have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals after two consecutive seasons of failing to join the last eight.

Atalanta will have to work hard on reciprocity to secure a place in the quarterfinals for the second year in a row.