Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Kickoff Time: 9 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
Location: Gewiss Stadium (Bergamo, Italy)
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Last meeting: Real Madrid 2-0 Atalanta (Aug. 14, 2024 | UEFA Super Cup)
Real Madrid is set to travel to Italy to face Atalanta in a crucial match as they aim to revive their Champions League campaign. The team is in urgent need of a positive result to stay competitive for a spot in the knockout stages.
Currently, the reigning European champions find themselves in a precarious position, occupying the last qualifying spot in the standings with only six points from five matches. A further decline in their ranking could lead to elimination, leaving them with limited opportunities to recover.
To enhance their prospects, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo are expected to return to the lineup after recent injuries, which had left Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe isolated in the attack. However, Real Madrid has shown signs of improvement, having secured a convincing victory against Girona over the weekend, which has reinvigorated their La Liga title aspirations.
Atalanta, on the other hand, poses a significant challenge, currently sitting fifth in the Champions League standings and leading Serie A. Despite a rocky start to the season, they have not suffered a defeat since late September, recently defeating AC Milan to extend their winning streak to nine matches.
Atalanta vs. Real Madrid prediction, odds
Atalanta’s man-oriented approach compels opposing managers to engage in excessive contemplation, particularly given that Madrid’s possession framework during their Super Cup triumph is unprecedented for Ancelotti’s squad.
Since that loss, La Dea has only progressed, and they are certain to present significant challenges to a Madrid team that, despite its extraordinary talent, is not invincible. Atalanta’s unity can effectively compensate for any lack of individual brilliance, yet Madrid has a tendency to secure results when they are most needed in this tournament.
This matchup promises to be thrilling, and Madrid’s attacking line may finally excel when faced with Atalanta’s three-man defense.
Atalanta vs Real Madrid – Probable line-ups
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Lookman
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Modric, Tchouameni, Valverde; Bellingham; Mbappé, Vinicius
