As the much-anticipated clash of the sixth day of the Champions League between Atalanta and Real Madrid approaches, former Atalanta star Papu Gomez has not hesitated to criticize Carlo Ancelotti’s team, claiming that it no longer commands the same fear it once did.
This Tuesday, the stakes are high for the Madrid side in Italy. After two consecutive defeats in the Champions League to AC Milan (3-1) and Liverpool (2-0), Real Madrid now faces a red-hot Atalanta.
While the two teams met last August in the UEFA Super Cup, where Real won 2-0, the momentum now seems to be with the Italians. While Real Madrid has struggled in high-profile matches, Atalanta has been on fire.
Atalanta: In Top Form
Currently leading Serie A with 34 points, Atalanta has not lost since September 28. Under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, and with key players like Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Retegui in great form, the team is causing havoc in Italy.
Last Friday, Atalanta defeated AC Milan 2-1, a team that had already beaten Real Madrid earlier this season. Confident and riding a positive streak, the Italian side is eager to replicate that success against the Madrid giants at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday.
Papu Gomez Believes in Atalanta
Papu Gomez, the legendary former captain of Atalanta (2014-2021), firmly believes that his old team has what it takes to eliminate Real Madrid. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he praised the improvements in Atalanta’s defense, calling it far more solid than before.
“The defense is impressive. Atalanta is now a top club, a blend of experience, quality, strength, and character. Ederson, for example, is incredible and among the top 10 in Europe,” he said.
Madrid’s Vulnerabilities
In the same interview, Gomez did not hold back his criticism of Real Madrid, claiming the Spanish team lacks intensity. “In Spain, they never train with intensity,” he remarked, highlighting the Madrid players’ injury problems and lack of solidity.
He also advised Atalanta to suffocate Real Madrid’s defensive build-up and manage the depth of the game to neutralize explosive players like Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé.
A Challenge for Carlo Ancelotti
The challenge is clear for Carlo Ancelotti: prove that his team can still prevail against top-level opponents this season.
With mounting pressure and a determined Atalanta side looking to take down the Madrid giants, Tuesday’s match is sure to be a thrilling encounter.
