Sports
Champions League Match Preview: Atalanta vs. Real Madrid
Referee: Szymon Marciniak | VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski
Match Preview
Atalanta hosts reigning Champions League title holders Real Madrid in a crucial group-stage encounter.
The two sides last met in the UEFA Super Cup, where Real claimed a 2-0 win with Kylian Mbappé netting his debut goal for the club.
Real Madrid comes into this fixture on shaky form, sitting in the final playoff spot in their group with just six points from five matches.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team needs a win to secure automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Atalanta, unbeaten in their last five Champions League matches, leads Serie A and is vying for a strong finish in the group.
Key Head-to-Head Stats:
- Real Madrid has won all three meetings against Atalanta in European competitions.
- Atalanta remains unbeaten in their last five Champions League matches.
- Real Madrid has lost two of their last five European games, including a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan.
- Atalanta is yet to trail in this Champions League campaign, a testament to their resilience.
Team News:
Atalanta:
The hosts will be without Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Juan Cuadrado. However, Mateo Retegui, Ademola Lookman, and Charles De Ketelaere are expected to lead their attack, boasting a combined 29 goal contributions in Serie A.
Real Madrid:
Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham return to the squad, bolstering Ancelotti’s options. However, Ferland Mendy joins a lengthy injury list, with Fran Garcia likely starting at left-back.
Players to Watch:
- Atalanta: Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman, who have been involved in 27 of Atalanta’s 38 Serie A goals.
- Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham, in stunning form, with goals in five of his last six games.
Predicted Lineups:
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F. Garcia; Valverde, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius