Real Madrid’s Crucial Champions League Clash with Atalanta Amidst Struggles
Real Madrid faces a critical test in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, as they travel to Bergamo to face Serie A leaders Atalanta. The defending champions, who have won a record 15 European titles, find themselves in a precarious position after a poor start to their group campaign. With only two wins from their first five matches, Madrid is currently ranked 24th in the standings, with the bottom 12 teams set for elimination at the end of the group phase.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has endured a series of challenges, including adaptation issues for superstar Kylian Mbappé, who joined the club in the summer, as well as a lengthy injury list. Madrid will need to perform in their remaining fixtures, which include a home match against RB Salzburg and an away trip to Brest, to secure their progression in the competition.
Atalanta, meanwhile, are in strong form, sitting at the top of Serie A and unbeaten in the Champions League, with a solid fifth-place standing in their group. Madrid, in contrast, has struggled with several key players sidelined. Notably, defenders Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are out with long-term knee injuries, while midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has also filled in as a makeshift defender, has only recently returned from injury. Additionally, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and David Alaba will miss the trip to Italy.
In better news for Madrid, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes are fit and available for selection, providing a much-needed boost. Vinícius’ return, however, adds to the ongoing debate about the team’s attacking setup. The Brazilian winger traditionally plays on the left, Mbappé’s favored position, and Ancelotti had been experimenting with shifting Mbappé to a central forward role before Vinícius’ injury. While Mbappé’s goal tally of 11 goals in 21 appearances is solid, his performances have been scrutinized, especially after missing penalties in crucial defeats to Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao.
Ancelotti has attempted to shield Mbappé from intense pressure, acknowledging that the 25-year-old is still adjusting to his new environment. “He isn’t at his best level, but we have to give him time to adapt,” the Italian coach said. Mbappé has also faced off-field challenges, including disputes with Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid wages and legal issues related to a reported investigation in Sweden, which he has denied.
Despite their setbacks, Ancelotti remains optimistic about his squad’s ability to turn things around. “It’s not a funeral — we’re still fighting in all competitions,” he said after Madrid’s fifth loss of the season, a defeat to Athletic Bilbao. The coach believes his team has the quality to rediscover their form, though it will take time.
Madrid will look to build on a 3-0 victory over Girona in La Liga and deliver a strong performance at Atalanta to restore confidence and strengthen their position in the Champions League.
About The Author
