A thrilling Champions League clash awaits as Serie A leaders Atalanta BC host reigning champions Real Madrid at the Stadio di Bergamo on Tuesday evening. This match promises to be a true spectacle, pitting the high-flying Italians against the struggling Spanish giants.
Atalanta enter this contest in scintillating form, riding a nine-game winning streak across all competitions. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men currently sit atop the Serie A table with 34 points from 15 matches, showcasing their domestic dominance. In the Champions League, they’ve been equally impressive, accumulating 11 points from five matches to occupy fifth place in the standings.
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In stark contrast, Real Madrid have struggled in Europe this season. With just six points from five matches, they find themselves in an unfamiliar 24th position in the Champions League table. However, Los Blancos did secure a crucial 3-0 victory over Girona in their recent La Liga outing, demonstrating their ability to bounce back.
Atalanta’s potent attack, which has netted 11 goals in their three away Champions League victories, will face a stern test against Real Madrid’s experienced backline. The absence of key defenders for Madrid could prove crucial in this high-stakes encounter.
Real Madrid have won all three previous meetings between these sides, including a 2-0 victory in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this season. However, Atalanta’s impressive home record and Real Madrid’s recent European struggles add an intriguing dimension to this matchup.
### Team News
Atalanta will be without Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Juan Cuadrado for this crucial encounter. However, the Italian side boasts a formidable attacking trio: Mateo Retegui has scored 14 goals in 21 appearances, Ademola Lookman has contributed 10 goals and 5 assists, and Charles De Ketelaere has added 5 goals and 9 assists.
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Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has received a triple boost with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham all named in the squad. However, they will be without Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga due to injuries.
### Expected Starting XIs
**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
### Match Prediction
Given Atalanta’s stellar form and home advantage, coupled with Real Madrid’s European woes, this match is poised on a knife-edge. While Real Madrid’s quality and experience cannot be discounted, Atalanta’s momentum and attacking prowess make them a formidable opponent.
**Prediction:** Atalanta 2-1 Real Madrid