Perhaps the most important game for Real Madrid takes place tonight in the Champions League as they lock horns against Atalanta in Bergamo.
Real Madrid named a full fledged squad – without the obvious absentees – for this fixture. Although players like Vinicius and Rodrygo are not 100%, a risk may be taken by Carlo Ancelotti.
At the club, they are treating this match like a final – as they should. The Merengues sit at 24th in the table and even though a top 8 finish seems highly improbable, Real Madrid would like to end the group stages by winning the final three games.
With Ferland Mendy injured, Fran García is a surety on the team sheet. It remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti continues with Aurelien Tchouaméni at the back or if he plays with Raul Asencio.
Luka Modric’s performance against Girona showed that he has still got it and can operate at the highest level. Jude Bellingham was taken off against Girona as a precautionary measure maybe but is expected to play a major part in this match.
It will also be interesting to see if Arda Güler keeps his place in the side since according to reports, Carlo Ancelotti wants to use him primarily as a midfielder due to impressive displays this season so far.
The biggest problem for Kylian Mbappe has been his inconsistency. He has a good game and then he’s all over the place in the next one. The Frenchman would hope that he carries his form against Girona into this match since Vinicius is not 100% for this fixture.
Speaking of Atalanta, the Italian side is one of the most dangerous sides in Europe right now. They have not lost a match since 24th September.
Since that loss, Gasperini’s side have scored 39 goals in 14 matches in all competitions and also sit on top of the table in Serie A.
Their attack has been firing on all cylinders. Mateo Retegui has netted 14 goals and recorded 3 assists in 21 matches, Ademola Lookman has 10 goals and 5 assists in 17 matches and their playmaker, Charles De Ketelaere has 5 goals and 9 assists in 20 games this season.
There are danger signs for Madrid because they possess a fragile defence, specially the full back area but Fran García has shown that he can deal the danger well.
The Vikings are desperate for a win. They need a win in a competition they have a habit of winning for fun. It’s time for the big guns to step up.
