Real Madrid usually deliver in the Champions League when the pressure is on and their trip to face Atalanta on Tuesday is shaping up to be a crucial clash for the troubled holders
When the pressure is on, Real Madrid generally performs well in the Champions League, and their trip to Atalanta on Tuesday is looking to be a pivotal match for the struggling holders. With their survival in the tournament at stake, Carlo Ancelotti’s team will visit Bergamo this week before playing RB Salzburg and then going to Brest, France.
Leading Serie A and undefeated in the Champions League, Atalanta is now in fifth place.
In the meanwhile, Madrid has been plagued by a number of issues, including as Kylian Mbappe‘s adjustment to life as a superstar since his summer transfer and the injury absences of numerous important players.
Former Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe, 25, has scored 11 goals in 21 appearances since joining Los Blancos. Italian coach Ancelotti has attempted to relieve some of the strain on him.
Last week, Ancelotti stated, “We have to give him time to adapt, even though he isn’t playing at his best level.” “He can do better and he’s working to do that.”
Although Mbappe’s goal rate isn’t particularly alarming, considering that he is among the best players in the world, his performances have been far from ideal.
Recent missed penalties against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and Liverpool in the Champions League, both of which ended in losses, increased attention on Mbappe, who has also struggled off the field.
“I didn’t get any summonses. Everyone else read the same thing that I did. “I’m not involved—the Swedish government hasn’t said anything,” Mbappe told Canal+ on Sunday.
Important absences
Due to chronic knee injury issues, Madrid has lost important defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao.
Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and David Alaba will also be absent for Madrid’s trip to play Atalanta.
The good news is that Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior, two Brazilian wing magicians, will soon be healthy and available again.
But Vinicius’ anticipated comeback reignites a controversy that was raging before to his hamstring injury two weeks ago.
While Vinicius had returned from playing in South America, the coach put the French forward on the flank, citing his absence from international service as the explanation.
Mbappe’s difficulties, according to Ancelotti, are not just his fault; rather, the squad as a whole suffers from his lack of consistency.
Ancelotti claimed his players will battle despite taking criticism for Madrid’s performance, which has seen them lose five games in all competitions after faltering only twice throughout the whole previous campaign.
“It’s not a funeral — we’re still fighting in all competitions,” Ancelotti declared last week after Madrid’s fifth of six losses against Athletic.
“Despite the challenges we face and have faced, we must maintain our optimism.
But since we have a strong team, we must remain positive. We have yet to discover our optimal shape, but I have no doubt that we will eventually do so.”
