Atalanta vs Real Madrid: Champions League Showdown as Madrid Seek Crucial Win

Real Madrid is set to face Atalanta in a critical Champions League match on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. This encounter is a rematch of the UEFA Super Cup in August, where Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory. However, the current Champions League campaign has been challenging for Los Blancos, with the team sitting in 24th place in the league phase standings and needing a win to automatically qualify for the round of 16.

Atalanta, currently leading Serie A and on a 14-game unbeaten run across all competitions, presents a formidable challenge. The Italian side has been impressive, conceding just one goal in the Champions League and maintaining an unbeaten streak in the league phase. Atalanta’s attack, led by Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mateo Retegui, has been in excellent form, posing a significant threat to Real Madrid’s defense.

Real Madrid welcomes back key players for this crucial match. Vinícius Júnior returns after recovering from a thigh injury, and Rodrygo is also available despite a recent muscle issue. Jude Bellingham, who was substituted due to fatigue in the weekend’s La Liga match against Girona, has been declared “100% fit” by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The predicted lineup for Real Madrid includes Thibaut Courtois in goal, with a defensive line of Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, and Fran García. The midfield is expected to feature Luka Modric, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and either Dani Ceballos or Arda Güler. The attacking trio could consist of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo.

Atalanta, meanwhile, will be without Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Juan Cuadrado due to injuries. Giorgio Scalvini, who recently returned from an ACL injury, might see action off the bench. The predicted lineup for Atalanta includes Marco Carnesecchi in goal, with a defensive trio of Berat Djimsiti, Merih Demiral, and Sead Kolasinac, and an attacking front of Charles De Ketelaere, Mateo Retegui, and Ademola Lookman.

The match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT and can be watched in the US on TUDN USA, UniMás, Paramount+, and ViX, as well as streamed on fubo.