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Real Madrid have the chance to reverse the course of their poor European season on Tuesday when they travel to Atalanta on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League. The reigning champion is currently 24th in the rankings and clinging to a knockout spot in a surprising run of poor form. While they are undoubtedly good enough to win in Italy, it won’t exactly be easy. Atalanta sit in fifth place after a strong start to their European season. They’ve only conceded one goal along the way, making them a surprisingly strong contender for Tuesday’s match.
Here’s what you need to know before you tune in.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Tuesday December 10 | Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia – Bergamo, Italy
- Watch: Biggest+
- Chances: Atalanta +165; Sign +260; Real Madrid+150
Storylines
Expectations may have been high for Real Madrid at the start of the season, but things didn’t exactly go to plan. Although they are just two points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and still very much in the title race, a list of notable losses and lack of balance is starting to define them this season. This is especially true in the Champions League, where they have won just two of their five games and are in dire need of points as the competition enters its final stages.
Injuries haven’t helped matters for Real Madrid, with Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and others finding themselves on the sidelines at one point or another this season. New signing Kylian Mbappé has also failed to leave his mark on the team. He has scored just one goal in the Champions League so far and has been disappointing throughout the season. As manager Carlo Ancelotti figures out how to get the best out of the World Cup winner, the good news is that Vinicius and Rodrygo will be available for Tuesday’s match at Atalanta. Whatever combination of players Ancelotti chooses, his attack will be put to the test against the Italian side, who have conceded just one goal in five Champions League games so far this season.
Projected arrangement
Courtois, Vazquez, Ascensio, Rudiger, Garcia, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Valverde, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Prediction
Even despite the problems, Real Madrid has had its moments over the course of the season. They might find just enough quality to get all three points out of a must-win game, even if the execution isn’t particularly stylish. Choose: Atalanta 0, Real Madrid 1