UCL: Real Madrid set for crucial clash against Atalanta

Real Madrid, known for delivering under pressure in the UEFA Champions League, are gearing up for a pivotal clash against Atalanta on Tuesday.

This encounter is shaping up to be a defining moment for the struggling 15-time champions.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side finds itself in an unfamiliar position, having lost three of their first five matches in the group stage.

Currently ranked 24th, Real Madrid are dangerously close to elimination, as teams placed 25th to 36th will exit the competition at this stage.

Their immediate schedule is challenging, with a visit to Bergamo to face Atalanta, followed by hosting RB Salzburg and concluding the group phase with a trip to Brest.

These matches will determine whether the holders can secure their future in the tournament.

Atalanta, on the other hand, have been impressive this season. The Serie A leaders are unbeaten in the Champions League and currently sit in fifth place in the standings.

Real Madrid’s campaign has been marred by multiple setbacks, including injuries to key players and adaptation issues for summer signing Kylian Mbappe.

The 25-year-old striker, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, has scored 11 goals in 21 appearances but is still finding his rhythm in the team.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is focused on alleviating the pressure on Mbappe as Madrid navigates this challenging phase. With their reputation and a place in the competition on the line, the upcoming fixtures are critical for the Spanish giants.

“He isn’t at his best level, but we have to give him time to adapt,” said Ancelotti last week. “He can do better and he’s working to do that.”

While Mbappe’s goal rate is not a cause for particular concern, his performances have left plenty to be desired given his status as one of the world’s top players.

Recent penalty misses against Liverpool in the Champions League and Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, both matches finishing in defeats, exacerbated the focus on Mbappe, who has also had off-field problems.

The striker was not part of two recent France squads, is battling with PSG over an unpaid salary claim and is also reported to be under investigation in Sweden in a rape case.

“I received nothing, no summons. I read the same thing as everyone else. The Swedish government hasn’t said anything — I’m not involved,” Mbappe told Canal+ on Sunday.

•⁠ ⁠Important absences –

Madrid have lost key defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao to long-term knee injury problems.

Even midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, whom Ancelotti has turned to as an emergency defender in the past, has also been out hurt, only returning recently.

Madrid will also be without Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba for the visit to face Atalanta.

In the good news column they are set to have Brazilian wing wizards Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes back fit and available.

However Vinicius’ expected return re-opens a debate which was in full flow before he suffered a hamstring injury a fortnight ago.

The Ballon d’Or runner-up likes to play on the left wing, which is also Mbappe’s favourite spot.

After using Mbappe as a centre-forward for much of the season to date, Ancelotti finally swapped them over for one match before Vinicius was hurt.

The coach cited the French forward’s break from international duty as the reason to put him on the wing, whereas Vinicius had returned from playing in South America.

Ancelotti suggested Mbappe’s struggles were not just down to him but an issue of consistency affecting the whole team.

Although he accepted criticism for Madrid’s form, having lost five games across all competitions already, after stumbling just twice in the whole of last season, Ancelotti said his team would fight.

“It’s not a funeral — we’re still fighting in all competitions,” said Ancelotti last week, following Madrid’s stumble at Athletic, the fifth of those defeats.

“We have to be optimistic, keeping in mind the problems we’re having and have had.

“But we have to be optimistic because we have a quality squad. We have not been able to find our best form, but I am convinced we will sooner or later.”

With a thumping 3-0 win over Girona on Saturday in La Liga under their belt, following that up with a show of force at Atalanta would start to ease concerns in the Spanish capital.