Ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media, voicing his concerns.
With Madrid fighting for a place in the knockout stages, their upcoming match against Atalanta Bergamasca at the Gewiss Stadium is expected to be a challenging one.
Atalanta, currently top of Serie A with 34 points, also holds fifth place in their Champions League group with 11 points—five ahead of Real Madrid.
Led by Gian Piero Gasperini, the Italian team has demonstrated impressive form. Ancelotti acknowledged this, stating, “Atalanta is stronger now than when we faced them in August. They’re very competitive.”
Ancelotti went on to describe this match as potentially the “toughest of 2024,” stressing the importance of securing all three points to avoid the playoffs and secure direct qualification for the next round.
Real Madrid’s Struggles and Injury Concerns
Real Madrid’s season has been marked by defeats to top teams, with the exception of their victory over Dortmund. With several key players sidelined due to injury, Ancelotti is placing significant hope on Kylian Mbappé.
“Mbappé is doing well, he’s progressing. His performance tomorrow could be crucial for us,” Ancelotti remarked.
However, there are still uncertainties regarding the starting lineup, especially concerning Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, leaving questions about Madrid’s attacking formation.
Additional Pressure on Madrid
The importance of this match extends beyond just securing points. Ancelotti pointed out that the team’s recent performances have been unconvincing, and only a win can help restore momentum to a season that has been marked by inconsistency.
With all attention focused on the Gewiss Stadium, Real Madrid will need to deliver their best to challenge an in-form, confident Atalanta. This game could ultimately determine the course of the remainder of the season for the Merengues.
