Real Madrid are heading into their UEFA Champions League clash against Atalanta with the mindset that it’s nothing less than a final.
This is because the stakes could not be higher for Los Blancos, who find themselves in a precarious position after an underwhelming start to the group stage in the new Champions League format.
Madrid’s struggles are evident, with three defeats in their first five matches leaving them in 24th place out of 36 teams. The top eight spots, which allow teams to skip an additional knockout round, seem almost unreachable at this point.
More alarmingly, Madrid are teetering on the brink of elimination, a scenario that was unthinkable at the start of the campaign.
Tonight’s match in Italy must be treated as a do-or-die situation and anything less than three points could leave them in serious trouble, further complicating their path to advancing in the competition.
Not an easy opponent
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Atalanta. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Atalanta, however, are not an easy opponent. They are currently one of the most in-form sides in Europe, riding on a streak of nine consecutive wins and remaining unbeaten since the end of September.
his is a completely different team from the one Madrid defeated in the European Super Cup earlier this year where Los Blancos walked out 2-0 victorious. This time, the challenge is daunting, and Madrid are well aware of it.
For what it is worth, Real Madrid are no strangers to adversity in the Champions League group stages.
In the 2020-21 season, they also struggled early on, starting with a loss to Shakhtar Donetsk and a draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, only to recover and reach the semi-finals.
However, the situation this year feels more critical. The new Champions League format has added complexity and a growing injury list has left Madrid stretched thin.
As the team prepares for this crucial encounter, it is clear that their journey in this season’s Champions League could hinge on the result in Bergamo. The pressure is immense, and the stakes are higher than ever.