Naijahood
Real Madrid is no stranger to delivering under pressure in the UEFA Champions League, but their upcoming clash against Atalanta on Tuesday could define their campaign. The reigning champions, with a record 15 titles, face an uphill battle after losing three of their first five matches, leaving them precariously placed at 24th in the standings. Teams ranked 25th to 36th will face elimination at the group stage.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side heads to Bergamo needing a result to stay in contention. They will later host RB Salzburg and conclude their group stage with a visit to French club Brest. However, the team faces mounting challenges, including the adaptation struggles of marquee summer signing Kylian Mbappé and a spate of injuries to key players.
Atalanta, on the other hand, are in formidable form. The Serie A leaders remain unbeaten in the Champions League and currently sit fifth, making them a tough opponent for a Madrid side searching for stability.
Ancelotti has publicly backed Mbappé, who has scored 11 goals in 21 appearances since his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain but has yet to reach his full potential. “He isn’t at his best level, but we have to give him time to adapt,” Ancelotti remarked last week. “He can do better, and he’s working to do that.”
With Madrid’s future in the competition hanging by a thread, the encounter against Atalanta promises to be a high-stakes affair for both teams.
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