By Okafor Joseph Afam | December 10, 2024

Football fans worldwide are in for a treat as Italian Serie A leaders Atalanta BC host reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid at Stadio di Bergamo in a high-stakes clash on Tuesday night. Both teams are brimming with quality, setting the stage for an electrifying encounter in the league phase of Europe’s elite competition.

Form Guide and Context

Atalanta, led by Gian Piero Gasperini, are enjoying a remarkable season, topping the Serie A table with 34 points from 15 games. La Dea come into this match riding high on a nine-game winning streak across all competitions, including a hard-fought 2-1 win over AC Milan last weekend.

Their Champions League journey has been equally impressive, securing 11 points from five matches and sitting fifth in the overall standings. The Bergamo-based side is determined to make waves in Europe, building on last season’s Europa League triumph. However, they’ll need to address their home struggles in Europe, having drawn both home matches 0-0 against Arsenal and Celtic.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have had a turbulent group stage, with just six points from five games. Currently languishing in 24th place, Carlo Ancelotti’s team desperately need a victory to keep their campaign alive. Despite their domestic dominance, Los Blancos have been inconsistent in Europe, a surprising turn for the competition’s most successful club.

Head-to-Head History

The teams last met in the UEFA Super Cup in August, where Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory. Atalanta have only won two of their previous seven games against Spanish opposition, a statistic they’ll look to improve.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Atalanta BC
The hosts are without Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Juan Cuadrado due to injuries. However, they boast a potent attacking lineup, led by Mateo Retegui, who has 14 goals in 21 matches this season. Ademola Lookman (10 goals, 5 assists) and Charles De Ketelaere (5 goals, 9 assists) will provide additional firepower.

Predicted XI:
Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman

Real Madrid
Ancelotti’s squad has received a much-needed boost with the return of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham. Vinicius, in particular, has been cleared to start after recovering from a muscular issue. However, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga remain sidelined.

Predicted XI:
Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

Key Battles

1. Retegui vs. Real Madrid’s Defense
   With several defensive absences, Real Madrid will rely heavily on Antonio Rudiger to contain the prolific Retegui.
2. Lookman vs. Vazquez
   Ademola Lookman’s pace and creativity will test Lucas Vazquez, who is deputizing in the right-back position.
3. Bellingham vs. De Roon
   Bellingham’s ability to dictate play and break forward will be crucial, but he faces a tough challenge against Atalanta’s midfield general, Marten de Roon.

Prediction

While Real Madrid have the pedigree and firepower to win, Atalanta’s form and home advantage could tilt the scales. A closely-fought contest could end in a thrilling draw, keeping both teams in contention for progression.

Prediction: Atalanta 2-2 Real Madrid