Real Madrid has registered a hard-fought victory in the Champions League at the first leg of the pre-quarterfinals.

Spanish club Real beat Italian club Atlanta 1-0 in the away match on Wednesday night.

Atlanta was reduced to 10 men after Remo Freuler was sent off in the 17th minute. Tarmadrid had to wait until the last minute to score.

Ferland Mendy's goal in the 86th minute was decisive for Real.

Real Madrid will host the second leg on March 16.