Real Madrid will take on Atalanta in Bergamo tonight at 1:30 am for Champions League matchday six. This encounter is a rematch of the European Super Cup showdown in August, where Ancelotti’s side emerged victorious to claim the trophy. This time, the stakes are high, with three vital points up for grabs as Los Blancos aim to strengthen their bid for a spot in the next round.
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Atalanta vs Real Madrid: Match Preview
Real Madrid has faced challenges in Europe this season, managing just six points from five matches and sitting in 24th place in the Champions League table. In contrast, Atalanta occupies a lofty fifth spot, having collected 11 points from their opening five fixtures.
Madrid face a challenging test against an Atalanta side having an outstanding season so far. The Italian team remains unbeaten in the Champions League, boasting three wins, two draws, and just a single goal conceded. This presents the next hurdle for Madrid, who enter the clash on the back of a commanding 3-0 victory over Girona, fueled by Jude Bellingham’s stellar performances. The English midfielder has scored in each of his last five LaLiga matches (against Osasuna, Leganés, Getafe, Athletic, and Girona).
La Dea has cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s top sides, riding a wave of nine consecutive wins across all competitions. This streak includes a 2-1 triumph over AC Milan on Friday, a result that sees them atop Serie A with 34 points from 15 matches.
In the Champions League, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has also excelled, securing three wins and two draws. Atalanta, reigning Europa League champions, now looks poised to make a significant impact on Europe’s premier competition. They face another heavyweight clash with Barcelona on January 29 in the league phase, adding further intrigue to their campaign.
While Atalanta’s best results in Europe have come away from home — scoring 11 goals across victories against Shakhtar Donetsk, Stuttgart, and Young Boys — they’ve drawn both of their home games 0-0, against Arsenal and Celtic. However, their record against Spanish opposition remains mixed, with just two wins from seven meetings. Notably, they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in August.
“Atalanta are on a great run, they have real enthusiasm and have won a lot of games,” said coach Carlo Ancelotti in the pre-match press conference.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side heads into this clash following a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Girona in La Liga, which keeps them second in the league, two points behind Barcelona with a game in hand.
Despite their domestic success, Los Blancos have struggled in the Champions League, with two wins and three losses from five games. Defeats to AC Milan and Liverpool have left Madrid clinging to a playoff spot. They have three more group-stage matches remaining, including fixtures against Red Bull Salzburg and Brest.
Madrid’s history against Italian clubs in Europe offers some encouragement. While they’ve won 12, drawn eight, and lost 18 of their 38 away games in Italy, they are currently on an eight-game winning streak against Italian teams on the road. Additionally, they remain the undisputed kings of Europe, having clinched their 15th European Cup earlier this year against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
The Bergamo side is off to an impressive start in their domestic league campaign, recently defeating Milan to claim the top spot in the table. Goals from De Ketelaere and Lookman secured the victory, with both players joining Retegui as Atalanta’s leading scorers in the Champions League, each netting twice.
Real Madrid has reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for 28 consecutive campaigns, and failure to progress this season would mark an unprecedented shock. Against a high-flying Atalanta, the pressure is on Los Blancos to rediscover their form and secure a vital result.
Atalanta vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head
The head-to-head record leans in Madrid’s favor, with Real Madrid winning all three previous encounters against Atalanta. The most recent meeting was in the European Super Cup in Warsaw, where Madrid secured a 2-0 victory.
That match marked Mbappé’s debut for the club, during which he also found the net. The other two clashes occurred in the Champions League Round of 16 during the 2020/21 season, ending 1-0 and 3-1 in Madrid’s favor.
Atalanta vs Real Madrid: Team News
Atalanta – Team News
Giorgio Scalvini recently made a swift return from an anterior cruciate ligament tear, rejoining action in under six months. The defender has made two substitute appearances for Atalanta but is not expected to reach full fitness until the new year. However, he may get another chance off the bench on Tuesday.
Gianluca Scamacca remains out of action after tearing his ACL in pre-season, while the hosts will also be missing Davide Zappacosta due to a calf problem and Juan Cuadrado, who is sidelined with a muscle injury.
Madrid faces the challenge of containing an Atalanta attack in red-hot form this season. Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mateo Retegui have all been performing brilliantly.
Atalanta – Predicted Lineup (3-4-3)
- Goalkeeper: Carnesecchi
- Defenders: Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac
- Midfielders: Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri
- Forwards: De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman
Real Madrid – Team News
Ferland Mendy is the latest addition to Madrid’s injury list, though the muscle issue he picked up over the weekend is not expected to sideline him for long. Fran Garcia is available as cover.
Vinicius Junior has been included in the squad traveling to Bergamo and could return to Ancelotti’s starting XI after missing Madrid’s last four games. Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo are also part of the squad despite recent injury concerns.
Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo may feature on the flanks, with Mbappé leading the line for Madrid. Meanwhile, Arda Güler and Vinicius Jr. are likely to sit this one out.
The visitors remain without David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Eduardo Camavinga, who are all sidelined due to injuries.
Real Madrid – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Garcia
- Midfielders: Modric, Valverde, Bellingham
- Forwards: ROdrygo, Mbappe, Diaz
Atalanta vs Real Madrid: Match Prediction
Atalanta’s man-oriented style often forces opposing managers into overanalyzing tactics, as seen in Madrid’s Super Cup victory, where their possession structure deviated significantly from Ancelotti’s usual approach.
Since that defeat, Atalanta has only grown stronger and is expected to pose a stern challenge to a Madrid side that, despite its exceptional talent, has yet to reach its dominant best. Atalanta’s cohesion and teamwork can offset their talent gap, but Madrid has a knack for delivering results when it matters most in this competition.
This promises to be a thrilling contest, and Madrid’s attack could finally click when facing Atalanta’s back three.
Prediction – Atalanta 1-2 Real Madrid
When and Where to Watch Atalanta vs Real Madrid? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 match between Atalanta and Real Madrid will take place at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy. The match is set for December 11 at 1:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony TEN Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
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FAQs
What is the recent form of Atalanta in the Champions League?
Atalanta is unbeaten in the group stage with three wins and two draws, conceding only one goal so far.
How has Real Madrid performed in the Champions League this season?
Madrid has struggled, earning just six points from five matches, including three losses, but remains in contention for the knockout stages.
Who are the key players missing for Atalanta and Real Madrid?
Atalanta is without Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Juan Cuadrado. Madrid misses David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Eduardo Camavinga.
Which Atalanta players are in top form this season?
Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mateo Retegui have been standout performers in Atalanta’s attack.
What is the head-to-head record between Real Madrid and Atalanta?
Madrid has won all three previous encounters, including a 2-0 victory in the European Super Cup earlier this season.
