Ahead of a decisive Champions League match, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media and expressed his concerns.
As Madrid fights for a spot in the knockout stages, the upcoming clash with Atalanta Bergamasca at the Gewiss Stadium promises to be a tough challenge.
Atalanta, currently leading Serie A with 34 points, is also in fifth place in their Champions League group with 11 points—five more than Real Madrid.
Under the leadership of Gian Piero Gasperini, the Italian side has shown remarkable strength. Ancelotti acknowledges this, saying, “Atalanta is better now than when we played them in August. They are very competitive.”
Ancelotti went on to label this match as potentially the “toughest of 2024,” emphasizing the importance of securing all three points to avoid the playoffs and qualify directly for the next round.
Real Madrid’s Struggles and Injury Concerns
Real Madrid’s current season has been marked by losses against top teams, with the exception of their win over Dortmund. With several key players sidelined by injuries, Ancelotti is pinning significant hopes on Kylian Mbappé.
“Mbappé is doing well, he’s progressing. His performance tomorrow could be very important for us,” he said.
However, there are still doubts about the starting lineup, particularly concerning Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, which leaves uncertainty around Madrid’s attacking setup.
Additional Pressure on Madrid
The significance of this match goes beyond just the points. According to Ancelotti, the team’s recent performances haven’t been reassuring, and only a victory could restore some positive momentum to a season that has been marked by instability.
With all eyes on the Gewiss Stadium, Real Madrid will need to perform at their best to compete against a confident, in-form Atalanta. This match could ultimately shape the remainder of the season for the Merengues.
