Atalanta - Real Madrid

overview

Will Real Madrid remain in the playoff zone after the sixth round of the Champions League? The standings look unusual, with the "royal club" only 24th, while Atalanta is in the top five. This is the new tournament format, which has produced quite a few sensational results. However, the multiple Champions League winners should not drop points, as they could miss out on the playoffs altogether. The game at the "Atleti Azzurri d'Italia" stadium in Bergamo will certainly not be easy for Real Madrid.

Head-to-Head

All three head-to-head matches have been won by Real Madrid. In the 2020/21 season, the opponents met in the Champions League playoffs. Then, the "Whites" won in Bergamo with a minimal difference (1:0), scoring in the 86th minute. However, the opponent was down to ten men early in the match. The last game took place in August of this year. It opened the European season with the UEFA Super Cup match, where Real Madrid had a significant game advantage (2:0). In three head-to-head matches, Atalanta managed to score only once.

Atalanta

Atalanta won the Europa League last season. However, they continue to grow and are now competing for the Serie A title. The team approaches this match with a series of nine wins across all competitions. If not for a draw with Celtic in the Champions League (0:0), the series would be even longer. Atalanta last lost in September to Como, which was a complete surprise. They are undefeated in the Champions League. However, their schedule was not the toughest. In the first round, they hosted Arsenal (0:0) and could have won but missed a penalty. In the next three matches, Atalanta kept their goal intact. They conceded their first goal in the fifth round against Young Boys, although they secured their biggest win in the tournament (6:1).

Real Madrid

Real Madrid has suffered significantly from injuries this season, especially in defense. Federico Valverde tried his hand as a right-back in the last Champions League round against Liverpool. It did not go very well. Moreover, his team could not counter their opponent at "Anfield" (0:2). This is already Real's third defeat in this European campaign. Previously, they lost not only to Milan (1:3) but also to Lille (0:1). However, things are not so bad in La Liga. They have almost caught up with Barcelona in the standings and even surpass them on points lost. Note that Real Madrid still has significant squad losses. Alaba, Camavinga, Carvajal, Militao, Mendy, and Vinicius Junior will not play in the upcoming match.