By Graham Ruthven
A European rematch
At the moment of that Tremendous Cup triumph, many anticipated that Mbappé’s debut purpose would speed up his integration into Carlo Ancelotti’s staff, however the Frenchman has struggled to discover a function in his new aspect regardless of scoring 11 objectives in all competitions.
Having received simply two of their 5 fixtures to this point on this season’s Champions League, Actual Madrid want factors on the board to make sure of their place within the subsequent spherical. These factors can be arduous to come back by in Bergamo.
Atalanta are at present main the way in which on the high of Serie A and are rising into real Scudetto challengers. Gian Piero Gasperini has been Atalanta supervisor for eight years, however La Dea look stronger than ever below his stewardship.
Friday’s 2-1 victory over AC Milan was Atalanta’s ninth successive win in all competitions. They’ve additionally dropped factors on this season’s Champions League simply twice – towards Arsenal and Celtic.
Key gamers
Actual Madrid may need a staff of Galacticos, however Atalanta have some stars of their very own, notably within the assault the place they’ve the expertise to place the defending European champions to the sword.
Mateo Retegui is the highest scorer in Serie A this season with 12 objectives in 15 appearances whereas Ademola Lookman is a constant menace off the left wing together with his dribbling potential and eye for purpose.
Charles De Ketelaere is in distinctive kind having registered 12 direct purpose contributions in his final eight video games (all comps) together with a purpose within the 2-1 win over former membership AC Milan that despatched Atalanta high of Serie A.
Jude Bellingham has appeared like his outdated self in current outings for Actual Madrid, scoring in every of his final three video games. In the meantime, Mbappé has been extra comfy lately with Vinícius Júnior on the sidelines by means of harm.
Fede Valverde will seemingly begin in Actual Madrid’s midfield unit after filling in at proper again lately with the Uruguayan’s power and work ethic essential within the centre of the pitch.
On the again, Raúl Asencio is anticipated to companion Antonio Rüdiger. The previous Castilla defender has eased Actual Madrid’s defensive harm disaster and has appeared the half on the again lately.
Staff information
Juan Cuadrado, Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta will all be unavailable for Atalanta’s dwelling match towards Actual Madrid on Tuesday.
In any other case, Gasperini has a totally match squad to select from. Retegui might come again into the lineup after beginning the win over AC Milan on the bench, though Mario Pašalić might hold his place after impressing.
Vinícius might make a return from harm, however David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy and Éder Militão stay unavailable for Actual Madrid. Ancelotti may have no alternative however to as soon as once more use a makeshift backline.
Prediction
It could possibly be revenge time for the spectacular Serie A leaders, so Atalanta 2-1 Actual Madrid.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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