Real Madrid's European campaign has been rocky, collecting just six points from five matches and sitting 24th in the Champions League standings. In contrast, Atalanta have been in sparkling form, with 11 points from five games placing them fifth in the table. The Italian side, currently leading Serie A with 34 points from 15 games, are riding high on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions, including a recent 2-1 victory over AC Milan.
Atalanta, last season’s Europa League winners, have shown their mettle in this season's Champions League, though their best performances have come on the road. They’ve scored 11 goals in away wins over Shakhtar Donetsk, Stuttgart, and Young Boys but were held to goalless home draws against Arsenal and Celtic. Historically, Atalanta have found Spanish opposition challenging, with just two wins in seven attempts, and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in August’s UEFA Super Cup.
Real Madrid come into this game fresh off a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Girona in La Liga, where they currently trail leaders Barcelona by two points with a game in hand. However, their Champions League form has been patchy, with two wins and three losses, including back-to-back defeats to AC Milan and Liverpool.
Despite their struggles, Real Madrid have a formidable record against Italian teams, winning their last eight away games in Italy and boasting 17 victories in their last 19 matches against Italian sides overall.
The 15-time European champions have reached the knockout stage of the Champions League for the past 28 seasons, and anything less this year would be a historic upset. Tuesday's showdown will be a critical test for both teams as Atalanta aim to cement their growing reputation, while Real Madrid look to regain their European dominance.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Atalanta will head into Tuesday's clash without Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Juan Cuadrado, but the team came through their Friday victory over Milan without picking up any new injuries.Mateo Retegui, who has been in stellar form with 14 goals in 21 appearances this season, is set to return to the starting lineup after being rested against Milan. Ademola Lookman (10 goals and five assists) and Charles De Ketelaere (five goals and nine assists) are also enjoying standout campaigns and will be key players in Atalanta’s attack at Stadio di Bergamo.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have received a significant boost with the return of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham to the squad. Vinícius, sidelined for the past four games due to a muscular issue, is back earlier than expected and is likely to start. Bellingham, who gave fans a scare after a knock against Girona, is ready to play, while Rodrygo has recovered from his own muscular problem and is available after missing Saturday’s league match.
However, Ferland Mendy is out with a muscular injury sustained against Girona, meaning Fran Garcia will take over at left-back. Madrid will also be without Eder Militão, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga, who remain sidelined.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
EXPERT PREDICTION
Atalanta 2-2 Real Madrid
