Atalanta seek revenge against Real Madrid

Atalanta will be seeking revenge against reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid when the two teams clash at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday.

The Italian side, who are unbeaten in the Champions League this term, will be looking to build on their impressive domestic form, which has seen them win nine straight games in Serie A.

However, Atalanta has a poor record against Real Madrid, having lost all three of their previous meetings. The Spanish giants also have a good record at the Gewiss Stadium, having won 1-0 on their only previous visit in 2020.

Real Madrid, who have lost their last two Champions League games, are desperate for a win to get their campaign back on track. The Spanish giants are currently just inside the top 24, a position that would only guarantee them a knockout phase playoff place.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be looking to lead his team to a third successive away win and will be boosted by the return of Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo. Los Blancos managed to secure a victory in La Liga over the weekend with a 3-0 victory over Girona to bounce back from their 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao.

Atalanta’s Marten de Roon has been in impressive form recently, contributing to the game-opening goal in both of his team’s last two games. While Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman can be a source of goals.

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has also been in good form, scoring in five of his last six club appearances, but now may be the right time for Kylian Mbappe to start scoring and become consistent, although Carlo Ancelotti has conceded that Real Madrid is in a dire situation.

“That is nothing more at stake than three important points that will help us to qualify. Unfortunately, we will have to play an extra round, but that’s it; I have a lot of confidence in my team. Things have improved; we are now in a good dynamic and will keep improving as we move forward.” Ancelotti said.