Real Madrid face Atalanta in crucial clash amid Champions League uncertainty and injury woes

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti looks on during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Girona FC and Real Madrid, in Girona, Spain, 07 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Siu Wu

By Yanga Sibembe

10 Dec 2024

Atalanta — who are in form — will be a challenging test for Real Madrid.

When Real Madrid defeated Atalanta 2-0 in the European Super Cup in August, the current fortunes of both teams could not have been predicted.

It was also the perfect start for superstar striker Kylian Mbappe after he had made his dream move from Paris Saint-Germain to Madrid. The Frenchman scored on debut during that match.

Since then, both Mbappe and Los Blancos have struggled to find firm footing in the Champions League. The reigning European Champions currently find themselves in 24th spot on the 36-team league phase table.

Before the crunch clash with high-flying Atalanta (who are fifth in the Champions League table), Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that the situation that his team found itself in was a difficult one. The experienced French coach all but threw in the towel with regards to his side finishing in the top eight.

Only the top eight teams on the table will qualify automatically for the round of 16 at the end of the league phase. Those that finish between ninth and 24th on the table will enter a round of 16 playoff to determine who will join the top eight in the round of 16 proper.

“It will be a demanding game. Atalanta are in great form and they’ve improved a lot since the Super Cup,” said Ancelotti. “They’ve won a lot of games, and they compete very well. We’ve got an opportunity to pick up points, and we’ve got to take advantage of these three games to qualify,” said the five-time European champion.

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe in action during their Spanish LaLiga match against Girona FC in Girona, Spain, on 7 December 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE/Siu Wu)

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. (Photo: EPA-EFE/Siu Wu)

Indeed, the desperate Los Blancos are set to battle an Atalanta outfit that is currently perched at the summit of Serie A. The Italians are on a nine-game winning streak, which is a club record. As such, they will be confident of further frustrating the record European champions.

“The most important thing is qualifying. We’ve got to pick up those points, and that will be difficult. Getting into the top eight looks a bit tricky so maybe we’ll have to go through the playoffs. Unfortunately, that’s the way it is,” said a bullish Ancelotti.

The return from injury of some key players, such as Vinícius Júnior and his compatriot Rodrygo, will be a major boost for Madrid, although their fitness to start is still in question. Despite limping off during a 3-0 win over Girona in La Liga, star midfielder Jude Bellingham is also ready to play.

“It’s always a pleasure to play with Vinícius and also to have him as a friend, as a teammate, to have him close to me,” said Federico Valverde, who has to step up and play a number of different positions during an ongoing injury crisis for Madrid this season.

“We’ve seen how eager he is to play and come back. Obviously, it’s great for us that he can play (against Atalanta). Whether he plays or not, that’s a question for Carlo Ancelotti, but he can always offer something,” Valverde said.

The two teams will play on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, with kick-off at 10pm.

Struggling Paris

Also playing at the same will be another struggling European heavyweight, Paris Saint-Germain, who face Salzburg. The French champions are 25th on the Champions League table, with one win, one draw and three defeats from their five matches.

This is in stark contrast to the team’s form in their domestic league, where they lead the way and have yet to lose a single match after 14 outings.

“We have a team that gives me confidence, I like what I see. It’s working well in Ligue 1, although it’s true that it’s more difficult in the Champions League. But we have to keep trying to do our best,” said Paris coach Luis Enrique.

“Our players are young, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they lack experience. I try to get the best out of each of them individually, but above all collectively,” Enrique said. “I love such matches; they’re like finals. We have to win. I never line up my players according to their age, but according to what I see in training and in matches.”

The early kick-off on Tuesday will see league phase log leaders Liverpool take on Girona. The Reds will be looking to consolidate their position at the summit.

On Wednesday, some mouth-watering fixtures will see Borussia Dortmund tussle with Barcelona. Also on Wednesday will be Juventus taking on Manchester City. Both matches start at 10pm. DM

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Struggling Paris