UEFA Champions League Preview: Atalanta vs Real Madrid – Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Soccer fans across the world are in for a treat as Atalanta hosts Real Madrid in a highly anticipated Champions League clash on Tuesday night. The stage is set at the Stadio di Bergamo, where the reigning Champions League champions face current Serie A leaders in a contest that promises drama, skill, and excitement.

Only a few months after their UEFA Super Cup clash in Warsaw (Real Madrid won 2-0), Atalanta will be keen to exact revenge on Real Madrid and prove their credentials as one of Europe’s elite sides.

Atalanta Betting Preview (+170 at EveryGame) 

Atalanta are enjoying another impressive campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini’s leadership. La Dea are not only Serie A leaders following Napoli’s surprise home loss to Lazio on Monday night, but they are also unbeaten after five Champions League games (3-2-0 record).

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side enters the clash in scintillating form, having secured nine consecutive victories across all competitions and unbeaten in their last 14 games (winning 12). The Bergamaschi have been particularly dominant in Serie A, sitting at the top of the table with 34 points from 15 matches. 

Their recent 2-1 victory over AC Milan underscores their title credentials domestically. In Europe, the Bergamo-based side has also impressed, picking up 11 points from five group-stage matches with three wins and two losses, including a 6-1 victory at Young Boys last time out, which positions them fifth in the Champions League table.

Despite their successes, Atalanta’s best European performances this season have come on the road. They remain winless at home in the competition after 0-0 stalemates against Arsenal and Celtic. 

However, with a prolific attack led by Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman, and solid support from Charles De Ketelaere, the Italians will aim to defy history, having managed only two wins in their last seven encounters with Spanish sides.

Atalanta will be without Davide Zappacosta, Juan Cuadrado, and Gianluca Scamacca, due to injuries, but they boast a formidable attack. Mateo Retegui, who has 14 goals in 21 appearances this season, is expected to lead the line alongside Ademola Lookman (10 goals, 5 assists) and Charles De Ketelaere (5 goals, 9 assists). 

Real Madrid Betting Preview (+145 at EveryGame)

Carlo Ancelotti’s side comes into the match after a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Girona last weekend. Thus, Los Blancos sit second in La Liga, just two points behind arch rivals Barcelona, yet with a game in hand. However, their European campaign has been less convincing, registering only two wins in five matches and clinging to the last playoff spot (24th place). 

Recent back-to-back defeats to fellow European giants AC Milan and Liverpool have raised concerns for Real Madrid, who face mounting pressure to deliver on their trip to Italy on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, injuries have sidelined the likes of Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga. However, the availability of pivotal figures such as Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior provides a significant boost. Vinícius is back after a four-game absence, while Bellingham has shaken off a fitness scare, and Rodrygo has recovered from a muscular problem.

Possible Starting Lineups of Atalanta vs Real Madrid 

Atalanta: Marco Carnesecchi – Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Sead Kolasinac – Raoul Bellanova, Marten de Roon, Ederson, Matteo Ruggeri – Charles De Ketelaere, Ademola Lookman – Mateo Retegui. (3-4-2-1) 

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois – Lucas Vazquez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran Garcia – Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric – Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe, Vinícius Júnior. (4-3-3) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction 

The betting odds for this clash suggest a closely contested encounter. According to EveryGame, Atalanta is priced at +170, while Real Madrid has slightly better odds at +145. A draw is also an intriguing prospect, with odds set at +240. The odds reflect Atalanta’s remarkable form and Real Madrid’s pedigree in European competitions.

While Real Madrid boasts an illustrious Champions League pedigree, they face a stern test against an in-form Atalanta side. The Italians have proven their mettle against top teams, and with a roaring home crowd behind them, a positive result for Atalanta seems the most likely outcome in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. 

Nevertheless, expect both teams to push for victory, with moments of brilliance from star players defining the match. With that said, we believe that Real Madrid will get back on track at their beloved Champions League stage, with Kylian Mbappe finding the back of the net.

The French forward scored in his debut game for Real Madrid – in their 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in August.

Spooky Express Free Play: Real Madrid +145 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units

Spooky Express Free Play 2: Kylian Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer +120 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units