As Atalanta gears up for their UEFA [**Champions League clash against Real Madrid**](https://www.footitalia.com/champions-league-atalanta-v-real-madrid-match-prediction-preview-team-news-and-lineups/) on Tuesday, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini [**addressed the media**](https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/atalanta-gasperini-conferenza-stampa-real-madrid-news-9-dicembre-2024), reflecting on the team’s recent successes and the challenges ahead. Following a victory over AC Milan that propelled Atalanta to the top of Serie A, the anticipation is high for their upcoming match at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
Gasperini emphasized the importance of focusing on one game at a time, stating, “We need to think about one thing at a time; all these emotions together are important.” He acknowledged that the atmosphere will be electric, noting, “Tomorrow we will find an enthusiastic environment. It will be a wonderful event, there is great expectation and excitement.” However, he cautioned against complacency, asserting that Real Madrid is not as troubled as some might suggest. “We are facing a high-level team that doesn’t seem to me to be in crisis as it is said,” he remarked.
The coach pointed out that while Real Madrid has faced some setbacks in the Champions League, they are seasoned competitors accustomed to high-stakes matches. “They have had some missteps in the Champions League, something they are not used to because they are at home there,” he explained. Gasperini also highlighted the unique nature of the competition, mentioning that even if Madrid does not finish in the top eight, they have playoff options to continue their campaign.
Gasperini acknowledged that Atalanta’s current form could be both an advantage and a potential pitfall. “Our good moment can be an advantage but also a brake, and we need to be careful about that. We cannot play with too much serenity and confidence; otherwise, we risk not achieving the result,” he cautioned.
Reflecting on his team’s maturity, he stated, “The more we win, the hungrier we become for victory, but it’s not a systematic thing.” He noted that playing every three days can impact performance levels. When comparing this match to their previous encounter in the Super Cup against Real Madrid, he said, “It was a particular situation because all summer we thought we were playing for a final that seemed like the maximum goal. In reality, August was complicated and somewhat turbulent for us.”
Gasperini concluded by discussing Atalanta’s defensive improvements and overall growth since then. “I have never been worried about our defense because things couldn’t have been worse than during our emergency situation,” he stated confidently.