Atalanta midfielder Mario Pasalic has taken a dig at Champions League opponents Real Madrid.

The Oribici suffered a 1-0 home defeat in the first leg, but only in the final minutes after Remo Freuler was very harshly sent off in the opening stages.

“We want to try all the way, as the 1-0 result in the first leg is absolutely not the end of it," Pasalic told Sky Italia after Friday's 3-1 win over Spezia.

“Hopefully we'll be allowed to play with 11 men this time. We can have our say when there are 11 of us…"

Pasalic scored two goals in the Spezia win.

“I am happy to be back, as I needed this after my injury and now can finally say I feel like I'm in good shape. Only by playing can I really achieve match fitness.

“Atalanta are a competitive squad full of great players. We're still aiming for a top four finish and this win takes us closer to that target."