Atalanta vs Real Madrid predicted lineups and team news
The pick of Tuesday’s European games sees the Serie A leaders Atalanta hosting the Champions League holders Real Madrid.
Atalanta vs Real Madrid Predicted XIs
Atalanta (3-4-3): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team have so far struggled in the defence of their title and after three losses from five fixtures, badly need a win when they visit Bergamo (20:00 kick-off, live on TNT Sports 1).
Yet Atalanta’s Europa League win last season has seemingly boosted their confidence and as well as flourishing in the Italian top flight, they remain unbeaten in this competition.
Makeshift Madrid defence may struggle to contain free-scoring Atalanta
These teams met back in August in the UEFA Super Cup, with Real winning that encounter 2-0.
Much has changed since then, with Atalanta coming into this match off the back of nine straight wins to set up a domestic title challenge and potential qualification for the round of 16 in this competition.
They have claimed 11 points from a possible 15 in the Champions League, with three wins and two draws, conceding only one goal along the way.
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That leaves La Dea in fifth place in the table, yet ,while this successful campaign has been built upon defensive solidity, their domestic title challenge has been based on their attacking prowess.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have scored 38 goals in Serie A from 15 matches, with their forwards Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman in particularly lethal form.
That could spell bad news for a Real side who are facing something of an injury crisis in defensive positions.
Los Blancos are struggling to find consistency, losing four of their last eight games and in a lowly 24th place in the Champions League table, with a mere six points.
Atalanta vs Real Madrid Team News
Ferland Mendy was the latest Madrid defender to succumb to injury, with the left-back substituted in the 3-0 win against Girona with a muscle problem.
He joins the already injured Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga on the sidelines, significantly reducing Ancelotti’s defensive options.
Fran Garcia is likely to replace Mendy at left-back, with midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni set to continue to deputise in the centre of defence.
Further forward, Ancelotti is enjoying more luck, with Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior all passed fit.
Bellingham caused a scare when he picked up a knock against Girona, while Rodrygo missed that match with a muscle problem.
Vinicius Junior has been absent for four games and has recovered from his own muscular issue, ahead of schedule.
Atalanta were confident enough to rest their leading scorer Retegui for the 2-1 win against AC Milan at the weekend but he should return to join Lookman and Charles de Ketelaere in attack.
Gasperini will be without the injured Juan Cuadrado, Davide Zappacosta and Gianluca Scamacca.
