Bergamo, Italy –
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes his side won't secure a top-eight finish in the 36-team Champions League table and will have to go through a two-legged knockout playoff round for a chance to reach the last 16.
Off the back of a fabulous campaign in which the team won record-extending titles in LaLiga and the Champions League, Real has struggled in its European title defense, losing three of its last four continental matches.
With six points after five games, Real is languishing four points off the top eight in 24th, the last spot that earns a place in the playoffs, as the side braces for a visit to in-form Atalanta on Tuesday.