Atalanta BC are current leaders of the Serie A and are hosting reigning Champions League titleholders Real Madrid in a very important game at the Stadio di Bergamo. Atalanta have been a scoring machine with 38 goals in the Serie A, the most out of any team. Real Madrid on the other hand have scored 34 to start the season, so two very offensive minded teams meet today.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have been in incredible form currently being on a nine game winning streak across all competitions including an impressive 2-1 triumph over AC Milan. With 34 points from 15 league games, Atalanta are proving themselves to be one of Europe’s elite clubs. They have shown strength in the Champions League as well this season being fifth with 11 points, five more than today’s opponenet. With 11 goals in wins against Shakhtar Donetsk, Stuttgart and Young Boys they look very good, though they’ve settled for two goalless draws in Bergamo. Atalanta will now hope to reverse that home form and secure a statement win against this European giant.
Real Madrid arrive in Bergamo desperate to stabilize their Champions League campaign. Despite sitting second in La Liga and coming off a 3-0 win against Girona, Madrid have struggled in Europe this season recording two wins from five matches and just holding on to a playoff position. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad now faces increasing pressure to maintain their streak of reaching the knockout stage, doing so in 28 consecutive campaigns. The Spanish side also boasts an impressive record against Italian teams winning their last eight away matches. With key players Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham back, Madrid will look to lean on their tournament experience to secure a much needed victory.
Atalanta will be without Scamacca, Zappacosta and Cuadrado. Lookman and De Ketelaere are expected to support Retegui in attack.
For Madrid, Mendy, Alaba, Militao and Camavinga are sidelined while Bellingham, Vinicius, and Rodrygo return.
Atalanta possible lineup: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman
Real Madrid possible lineup: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
